Mediterranean Diet Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a quick and nutritious option that perfectly aligns with the Mediterranean diet. Fluffy couscous serves as the hearty base, soaking up a zesty dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad delivers a refreshing blend of textures and tastes in every bite. Finished with fresh parsley and dried oregano, it’s an herby delight that’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a make-ahead meal for busy days. Ready in just 25 minutes, this no-fuss recipe is a celebration of heart-healthy ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 0.5 cup feta cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoon of salt to a boil.

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from heat, add 1 cup of couscous, stir, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and let it cool.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 0.25 cup of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.25 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.

Step 5

Halve the cherry tomatoes to make 1 cup. Peel, deseed, and dice 1 medium cucumber. Finely chop 0.5 medium red onion. Slice 0.5 cup of kalamata olives.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives.

Step 7

Crumble 0.5 cup of feta cheese over the salad.

Step 8

Chop 0.25 cup of fresh parsley and add it to the salad.

Step 9

Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 10

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1265.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1840.3

Total Fat 166.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 66.8mg	0%
Sodium 3800.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.9g
Protein 21.2g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 627.6mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 1107.7mg	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: 79.7%

Protein: 4.5%

Carbs: 15.8%