Name: Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked couscous; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ½ cup chickpeas (canned or cooked); 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt & pepper, to taste

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If you’re searching for a vibrant and fresh dish that captures the essence of sun-soaked shores and aromatic herb gardens, look no further than this Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe. It’s a light, fluffy couscous salad loaded with colorful Mediterranean-inspired veggies, zesty lemon dressing, and just the right touch of creamy feta. Every bite is a joyous celebration of flavors and textures that will brighten any meal or stand beautifully on its own as a refreshing lunch or side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of ten small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the bottom right contains golden brown cooked chickpeas. To its bottom left is a bowl with fresh bright green spinach leaves. Above the spinach is a small bowl filled with white finely chopped onion. At the top left, there is a bowl with green olives. Next to that, a bowl holds small pieces of green cucumber. Adjacent is a bowl with red chopped tomatoes. In the center is a bowl filled with small, round, pale beige couscous grains. To the right of the couscous is a heap of mixed black and white sesame seeds in a small bowl. Below the sesame seeds is a clear glass jug filled with golden yellow olive oil. A whole bright yellow lemon lies between the middle bowls and the lower bowls. The whole arrangement appears bright and fresh with clear colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending brightness, crunch, or that unmistakable Mediterranean flair to the dish.

2 cups cooked couscous: The base of the salad, bringing a light and fluffy texture that soaks up all the dressing.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
½ cucumber, diced: Provides freshness and a crisp crunch to balance the softness of couscous.
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a bit of pungency and sharpness that wakes up the palate.
½ cup chickpeas: Adds heartiness and a lovely bite with extra protein.
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings creaminess and a salty tang that elevates every mouthful.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses herbaceous brightness and a pop of green.
2 tablespoons olive oil: The cornerstone of the dressing, adding richness and a silky finish.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides zesty acidity that ties the whole salad together.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: A Mediterranean classic herb that lends earthy, aromatic notes.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Couscous and Vegetables

Start by cooking your couscous according to package instructions until it’s light and fluffy. While the couscous is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Gathering fresh, vibrant vegetables ensures every bite is colorful and refreshing.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, and chopped parsley. This creates a fantastic medley of textures and flavors before adding the dressing.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is bright and zesty, perfectly complementing the mellow couscous and fresh vegetables.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Ensuring each grain and veggie is coated enhances the overall flavor and unites all the ingredients in harmony.

Step 5: Add Feta and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The creamy and salty feta adds the perfect finishing touch and a beautiful contrast to the crisp veggies.

How to Serve Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered salad on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has chopped cucumber and green leafy vegetables. On top of that, there are pieces of yellow and red cherry tomatoes, black olives, and small chunks of white cheese. Some pieces of purple onion are scattered among the salad. The salad looks fresh and colorful with different textures from the soft cheese and crunchy vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an even more stunning presentation, consider garnishing with a few whole olives, a few fresh mint leaves, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. These extras not only add visual appeal but also pack additional layers of flavor that complement the Mediterranean theme.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a stellar accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It also pairs delightfully with warm pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread that is both satisfying and light.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out bell pepper or vibrant tomato for an eye-catching appetizer or picnic dish. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass bowls with alternating colors can turn it into a festive, casual party salad that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. Keep the feta separate if possible to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and feta. The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes tends to degrade on freezing, so it’s better to make just what you need or store leftovers chilled.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes if it’s been chilled, then give it a gentle toss before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Absolutely! Regular couscous works perfectly and will give you a lighter texture, while pearl couscous offers a chewier bite. Either choice will shine in this recipe.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To keep it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The salad still tastes fantastic with all the fresh vegetables and lemony dressing.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

Adding a handful of toasted nuts, more chickpeas, or some grilled chicken or shrimp transforms this salad into a more substantial meal without losing its freshness.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just keep the feta separate until serving and toss the salad again just before eating to refresh the flavors.

Are there any good substitutions for parsley?

Cilantro, mint, or basil can all work wonderfully depending on your preference, adding a slightly different but equally delicious herbal note.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe is truly a gem that brings the sunshine of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort and maximal flavor. Whether for a quick lunch, a potluck, or a side to your favorite grilled dishes, this salad is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try and savor the delightful combination of textures, colors, and tastes that will leave you craving more!