5 Steps to Perfect Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Recipes

Discover how to make a delicious Mediterranean Couscous Salad in just 5 simple steps. This vibrant, healthy dish is packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and flavor—a perfect meal for any occasion.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad Introduction:

Are you looking for a quick, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to prepare? This Mediterranean Couscous Salad recipe brings together a vibrant mix of vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether served as a main course or a side, this salad is a wonderful addition to any meal. Let’s dive into the five simple steps to make this delightful Mediterranean dish.

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Mediterranean Couscous Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous (uncooked)
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (for flavoring the couscous)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Couscous	1 cup	Uncooked
Vegetable broth	1 1/4 cups	For cooking couscous
Cherry tomatoes	1/2 cup	Halved
Cucumber	1	Diced
Red onion	1/4 cup	Finely chopped
Kalamata olives	1/4 cup	Sliced
Feta cheese	1/4 cup	Crumbled
Fresh parsley	2 tbsp	Chopped
Fresh mint	2 tbsp	Chopped
Olive oil	3 tbsp	For the dressing
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Garlic	1 clove	Minced
Salt	1/2 tsp	For seasoning
Black pepper	1/4 tsp	For seasoning

Mediterranean Couscous Salad Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Couscous

1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the couscous, cover the pan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the broth fully.
3. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the couscous is cooling, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Slice the Kalamata olives and set all vegetables aside.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped herbs (parsley and mint).
2. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the Mediterranean Couscous Salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or mint if desired.
2. Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes for a more refreshing taste.

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Mediterranean Couscous Salad Nutritional Benefits:

This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, fiber, and protein, making it a nutritious choice. Couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates, while tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish. Feta cheese provides a dose of calcium and healthy fats, making this salad as nourishing as it is delicious.

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Tips for Perfect Couscous Salad:

• Use quality olive oil: The dressing’s flavor comes primarily from the olive oil, so choose a high-quality extra-virgin variety.
• Let the couscous cool: Adding hot couscous to the vegetables may cause them to wilt. Allow it to cool slightly for the best texture.
• Customize with protein: To make this salad more filling, add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp.

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Mediterranean Couscous Salad Variations:

• Make it vegan: Skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
• Add grains: Quinoa or bulgur can replace couscous for a variation on the classic recipe.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.