The Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that works wonderfully as a refreshing side or as a light, satisfying meal. It’s packed with fresh ingredients like colorful vegetables, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, making it both nutritious and appetizing. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a nutritious lunch, this Mediterranean Couscous Salad will surely impress. Let’s dive into this amazing recipe!
What is Mediterranean Couscous Salad?
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a salad made primarily from couscous, a small, round semolina pasta that cooks quickly and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. The salad is paired with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, then tossed with a zesty dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint bring the Mediterranean flavors to life. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also in taste, offering a balance of fresh, tangy, and savory elements in every bite.
The Origin of Mediterranean Couscous Salad
The origin of couscous itself dates back to ancient North Africa, where it has been a staple food for centuries. While couscous is most commonly associated with Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian cuisine, it has found its place across Mediterranean countries. Mediterranean cuisine is characterized by fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy fats, all of which are reflected in this salad.
Though the concept of couscous salad has evolved over time, its roots lie in the Mediterranean tradition of combining grains with fresh vegetables and herbs. The Mediterranean Couscous Salad recipe we know today has been adapted in many different ways, but it always incorporates fresh and healthy ingredients typical of the region.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad Ingredients with Quantity
Here are the ingredients needed to make the Mediterranean Couscous Salad:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup couscous – Couscous serves as the base for this salad and is easy to prepare, making it a popular choice in Mediterranean dishes.
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water – Used to cook the couscous, adding flavor to the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Cherry tomatoes offer a sweet, juicy burst in every bite.
- 1 cucumber, diced – Adds a fresh and crunchy element to the salad.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped – Red onions contribute a slight sharpness that balances the flavors.
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced – Bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to the salad.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced – These olives are rich and tangy, providing that quintessential Mediterranean taste.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Feta cheese is a classic Mediterranean addition, offering a creamy, salty contrast to the crisp veggies.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Parsley brightens the dish with its fresh, herbal flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional) – Mint adds an extra layer of freshness and aroma. It’s optional but highly recommended for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil – A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil adds richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Red wine vinegar introduces acidity to balance the oil and bring out the salad’s flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice enhances the salad with a tangy citrus kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Dried oregano provides an earthy, herbaceous flavor typical of Mediterranean dishes.
- Salt and pepper to taste – These basic seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to preparing the Mediterranean Couscous Salad:
Step 1: Cook the Couscous
Begin by bringing 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth (or water) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the 1 cup of couscous. Stir to combine and then remove the saucepan from heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid. After this, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and then let it cool down.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the couscous is cooling, take the time to chop the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and Kalamata olives. Set all the chopped vegetables aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the chopped vegetables. Add the 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and the 1/4 cup of chopped parsley (and mint if using). Toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the couscous salad and toss it once more to coat everything evenly. The dressing will enhance the salad’s flavors, making it tangy and refreshing.
Step 6: Serve
Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If you prefer, you can also make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations of Mediterranean Couscous Salad
While the traditional Mediterranean Couscous Salad is packed with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta, there are many ways to personalize it to your liking. Here are some great variations to try:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas. These proteins complement the salad’s flavors while adding extra nutritional value.
- Use Quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to couscous, quinoa is a perfect substitute. It has a similar texture and absorbs the flavors of the dressing just as well.
- Add Avocado: Dice up an avocado for a creamy element that complements the tangy feta and olives.
- Roasted Vegetables: Instead of fresh vegetables, you can roast bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Incorporate Nuts: Add a crunchy texture by tossing in some pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts. They’ll add both flavor and texture to the salad.
FAQs About Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Can I make Mediterranean Couscous Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Mediterranean Couscous Salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Can I use other types of couscous?
Yes, you can use different varieties of couscous like Israeli couscous or pearl couscous. These are larger than traditional couscous and have a slightly different texture, but they work perfectly in this salad.
Can I substitute the feta cheese with something else?
If you don’t like feta cheese or need a dairy-free version, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a vegan feta cheese alternative.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute couscous with quinoa, rice, or gluten-free couscous to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I add to make this salad spicier?
To add a bit of heat, you can include red pepper flakes in the dressing or toss in some chopped jalapeños or chili peppers with the vegetables.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing, this salad captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every bite. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a picnic, or as a refreshing side dish to any occasion. Whether you keep it traditional or mix things up with variations, this Mediterranean Couscous Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy its vibrant flavors, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
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Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a salad made primarily from couscous, a small, round semolina pasta that cooks quickly and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. The salad is paired with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, then tossed with a zesty dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint bring the Mediterranean flavors to life. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also in taste, offering a balance of fresh, tangy, and savory elements in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the couscous, stir, and remove from heat. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the couscous is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and olives.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, parsley, and mint (if using).
- Add Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your Mediterranean Couscous Salad!
Notes
Serving Idea: This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. For extra protein, top it with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the whole dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
