Mediterranean Couscous Salad (Printable)
Fluffy couscous blended with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy lemon-olive oil dressing for a light, flavorful dish.
# What you'll need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup couscous
02 - 1 cup boiling water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
08 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
→ Fresh Herbs
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
→ Cheese (optional)
11 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Dressing
12 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Place couscous and salt in a large heatproof bowl. Pour in boiling water, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint to the cooled couscous. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine thoroughly.
04 - Gently fold in feta cheese, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The way the dressing soaks into the couscous overnight makes it even better for lunch the next day
- You can prep everything ahead and actually enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen
02 -
- Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving transforms it completely—the couscous absorbs the dressing and all the vegetables get friendly with each other
- If you're making this ahead, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving, or they'll wilt and lose their beautiful green pop
03 -
- Toast the couscous in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding the boiling water for a deeper, nuttier flavor
- Mix the dressing directly in the bottom of your serving bowl before adding the couscous and vegetables—one less bowl to wash