Description
A Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad is a vibrant and refreshing salad made primarily from Israeli couscous, fresh cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, pine nuts, red onion, and fresh basil. The salad is dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing, which ties all the ingredients together with a burst of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salad:
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 twists black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the couscous: Prepare Israeli couscous according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and basil.
- Toast the pine nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss couscous with half the dressing. Add cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, and pine nuts.
- Finish & serve: Drizzle with the remaining dressing, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with this salad! You can add crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, roasted chickpeas, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. It tastes even better after sitting for a while, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad