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Couscous Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 130 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make Couscous Salad featuring fluffy couscous, crisp cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs, tossed in a light and zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch, side dish, or summer picnic staple.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup couscous (uncooked)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Couscous: In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the couscous. Cover the bowl tightly and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs all the water and becomes tender.
  2. Fluff and Cool: Use a fork to fluff the couscous gently to separate the grains. Allow it to cool to room temperature to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables and herbs added later.
  3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Once the couscous has cooled, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well blended.
  5. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop further.

Notes

  • Use freshly boiled water for the couscous to ensure it cooks evenly and stays fluffy.
  • Allow the couscous to cool completely before adding vegetables and dressing to avoid sogginess.
  • For added texture and flavor, consider adding toasted pine nuts or chopped mint.
  • This salad can be customized with additional vegetables like bell peppers or olives.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 1 day for best freshness.