Couscous Summer Salad

Light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Couscous Summer Salad is the ultimate warm-weather dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring fluffy couscous infused with the subtle aroma of vegetable broth, this salad is loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, crunchy red bell pepper, and zesty red onion. Fresh parsley and mint add a fragrant, herbaceous touch, while a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing ties it all together with a hint of sweetness from optional honey. For an added layer of creaminess, crumble feta cheese on top. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe is a refreshing, healthy, and versatile option that can be served cold or at room temperature. Perfect for those craving a light yet satisfying summer dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

While the couscous is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve or quarter 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, and chop 1 medium red bell pepper into small pieces. Finely dice half a medium red onion.

Step 4

Chop 0.25 cups each of fresh parsley and mint leaves and set aside.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey (optional), 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, prepared vegetables, and chopped herbs. Toss gently to mix.

Step 7

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

If using, crumble 0.5 cup of feta cheese over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt or lemon juice.

Step 10

Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy your Couscous Summer Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1215.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1033.4

Total Fat 69.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 4037.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.2g	0%
Total Sugars 24.4g
Protein 29.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 732.8mg	0%
Iron 4.7mg	0%
Potassium 1480.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.8%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 30.3%