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Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A bright and refreshing couscous salad loaded with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a light meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched Mediterranean with this vibrant and incredibly flavorful couscous salad! It's a symphony of textures and tastes, combining fluffy couscous with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a punchy lemon-herb dressing. This salad is fantastic as a light lunch, a side dish, or even for meal prep!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 cup (medium or fine) couscous
  • 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Lemon Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water or vegetable broth over the couscous. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the couscous is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

  2. Step 2

    While the couscous is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon dressing over the couscous and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or for best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips

  • Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
  • For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
  • Meal prep tip: Store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.

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