Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Imagine a vibrant, nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and color—such is the allure of Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad. This recipe brings together the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and fluffy couscous, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings alike. I stumbled upon this delightful combination while experimenting in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, and I can confidently say it became a fast favorite. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, promoting health and well-being.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Mediterranean Couscous Salad apart is its balance of flavors and textures. The sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and the creamy feta create a heavenly mix that pleases the palate. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of preparing this dish—it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep, making it a super versatile option for lunchboxes or dinner tables. Additionally, it’s colorful and fresh, making it an eye-catching side for barbecues or family gatherings.

"This salad made an ordinary Tuesday dinner feel like a special occasion! Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Giving you a heads-up, this salad comes together in no time! Here’s how to make it step by step: you’ll fluff up your couscous, toss in a medley of fresh veggies, complement it with a zesty dressing, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley. It’s as straightforward as that!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced (feel free to use English cucumbers for less seeds)
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (Kalamata or green for a twist)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Steps

1. Begin by combining the couscous and boiling water in a bowl. Cover it for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to absorb. Afterward, fluff it up with a fork to achieve that light, airy texture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Once the couscous is ready, gently add it to the vegetable mixture, bringing everything together.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous salad, tossing well to blend the flavors.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. You can serve it immediately or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a bit—it tastes even better once the flavors meld together!

Best Way to Serve

To elevate your serving experience, consider plating the salad in individual bowls for a more refined presentation. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish, or serve it alongside hummus and pita chips for a Mediterranean feast. It also makes for an indulgent picnic dish—just keep it chilled until mealtime!

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

Storage Tips

Making this salad ahead of time? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers might lose a bit of crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat it, consider warming it in the microwave for a few seconds, but the flavors truly shine when enjoyed cold.

Expert Advice

For best results, ensure your veggies are as fresh as possible—this salad celebrates the quality of ingredients. If you want to save time, pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store are a quick alternative. For added depth of flavor, let the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving to let all the ingredients mingle.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the couscous for quinoa to boost the protein content. You might also add in roasted chickpeas for a crunchy twist or toss in some artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair. And if you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, a handful of dried cranberries can add a nice contrast to the savory elements.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this salad take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 10-15 minutes. Allow additional time if you chill before serving.

Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply replace couscous with quinoa or rice. You can also use vegan feta or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftover salad safely?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to consume them within this time for the best quality and taste.

Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a wonderful dish that fits seamlessly into various occasions. It’s delicious, nourishing, and oh-so-satisfying—why not make it your next crowd-pleaser?

Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad

---

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean salad featuring fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta, perfect for quick meals or festive gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Combine the couscous and boiling water in a bowl. Cover for about 5 minutes to allow the liquid to absorb.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork to achieve a light texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Gently add the fluffed couscous to the vegetable mixture.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss well.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately or chill for better flavor.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For gluten-free, substitute couscous with quinoa or rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: couscous, salad, Mediterranean, healthy, quick dinner, meal prep, vegetarian