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mediterranean couscous salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring fluffy couscous, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 198

Ingredients
  

For the Couscous Base
  • 1 cup dry couscous regular or whole wheat
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth or water
For the Vegetables and Add-ins
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped, optional
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers chopped, optional
  • 1/4 cup artichoke hearts quartered, optional
  • 1/4 cup chickpeas rinsed and drained, optional
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • 1 clove garlic minced, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork for fluffing couscous
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring 1ΒΌ cups of broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add the couscous, stir quickly, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool completely.
  3. While the couscous cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, you can soak it in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain.
  4. Slice the kalamata olives and prepare any optional add-ins you're using.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), minced garlic (if using), dried oregano (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
  6. Once the couscous has cooled to room temperature, add the prepared vegetables, olives, and any optional ingredients to the large bowl with the couscous.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  8. Fold in the chopped parsley, mint (if using), and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the feta too much.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  10. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  11. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For meal prep, you can make this salad up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • To keep the salad fresher longer, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the couscous with quinoa or rice.
  • The salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.