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