Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with my vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Couscous Salad recipe. Bursting with colors, flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a celebration of the region’s bountiful produce and rich culinary heritage. Join us as we explore the simple yet irresistible allure of this beloved dish.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dances on your taste buds. With fluffy couscous as the base and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a delightful combination of hearty and refreshing, perfect for any occasion.
The Perfect Salad The beauty of Mediterranean Couscous Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and seasonal produce.
Recipe for Success Now, let’s dive into the recipe for creating your own Mediterranean Couscous Salad:
Vibrant Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp za'atar seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, za'atar seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients such as diced bell peppers, chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. This salad is incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Option: Mediterranean Couscous Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together and become even more delicious as they sit, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad chilled. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and the couscous to cool down.
- Vibrant Presentation: To make the salad visually appealing, consider garnishing it with additional fresh herbs, lemon slices, or crumbled feta cheese just before serving. A sprinkle of za’atar seasoning on top adds an extra burst of flavor and a touch of authenticity.
- Protein Addition: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply toss the protein with some of the dressing before adding it to the salad for extra flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or olive oil to suit your taste preferences.
