Heart-Healthy Israeli Couscous Salad

Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Heart-Healthy Israeli Couscous Salad is a wholesome and refreshing dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with tender, pearl-like Israeli couscous and a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, and zesty red onion, this salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Fresh parsley and mint elevate its flavor profile, while a bright lemon-olive oil dressing ties it all together. For an optional creamy touch, add crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for a quick, light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is not only easy to prepare in just 25 minutes but also ideal for those seeking heart-healthy meal options that don’t compromise on taste. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Israeli couscous
• 1.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 0.25 medium Red onion
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the Israeli couscous and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2

While the couscous is cooking, rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and dice the cucumber. Seed and dice the red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and slightly cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.

Step 4

Chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves, and add them to the bowl with the vegetables and couscous.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and ground black pepper. Adjust salt to taste if necessary.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.

Step 7

If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and mix lightly.

Step 8

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a healthy lunch or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1262.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1420.3

Total Fat 57.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 2611.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 182.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.4g
Protein 46.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 809.5mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 1792.0mg	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: 36.0%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 50.9%