Low Sodium Israeli Couscous Salad

Elevate your meal prep with this vibrant and flavorful Low Sodium Israeli Couscous Salad, a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and fresh Mediterranean flair. Tender pearls of Israeli couscous serve as the base for crisp diced cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers, and a burst of fresh parsley, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon juice dressing. A hint of garlic and black pepper enhances the natural flavors without the need for excessive salt, making this an excellent heart-healthy choice. Optional crumbled feta offers a creamy touch, while the salad's quick prep time ensures it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or light lunches. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying, low-maintenance dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Israeli couscous
• 2 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Cucumber, diced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup Red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the Israeli couscous and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk them together to create the dressing.

Step 3

Add the cooled couscous to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Incorporate the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley into the couscous mixture. Gently mix all ingredients together.

Step 5

Season the salad with black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 6

If desired, gently fold in crumbled feta cheese for additional creaminess and flavor.

Step 7

Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your low sodium Israeli couscous salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1526.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1962.6

Total Fat 75.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 1501.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 263.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.8g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 62.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1080.1mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 2815.2mg	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: 34.1%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 53.2%