Nut-Free Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Nut-Free Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with fluffy pearl couscous, crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, this salad balances textures and tastes in every bite. A zesty lemon-olive oil dressing ties together the medley of fresh parsley, fragrant mint, and creamy feta cheese for a dish that's perfect as a refreshing side or a stand-alone light meal. With its quick prep time, nut-free guarantee, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this salad is a hassle-free option for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for an easy, flavor-packed dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
• 2 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 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 Pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 0.75 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Stir in 1.5 cups of pearl couscous, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 3

Remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff the couscous with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4

While the couscous is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives.

Step 6

Add 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint to the bowl.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 9

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy as a side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1701.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2269.5

Total Fat 105.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 150.0mg	0%
Sodium 4062.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 274.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 20.4g
Protein 69.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1240.5mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 1940.1mg	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: 40.8%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 47.3%