Description
This Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad is a fresh and light Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring fluffy couscous combined with sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a healthy side or a light meal, it delivers vibrant flavors and a refreshing texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the couscous: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover the pan, then remove it from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and cool couscous: Use a fork to fluff the couscous, separating the grains. Allow it to cool to room temperature to prevent wilting the vegetables.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled couscous, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free alternative, substitute quinoa in place of couscous.
- Add chickpeas or grilled chicken to increase protein content for a more filling meal.
- This salad keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
