Couscous Salad
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this bright, colorful side!
By Rebecca Cummins
No Reviews
When it comes to making the best salads ever, a few things are a must: in-season produce, a bright and flavorful dressing, and a salad topper for some crunch. What better way to check all those boxes than with a couscous salad that screams summer?! Colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and what’s that? Toasted walnuts and fresh dill? Yes please! Gone are the days of a bland bowl of greens being called a salad. It’s time to dive headfirst into Mediterranean bliss.
What is couscous?
Couscous—the unassuming pantry staple that’s ready to eat in as little as five minutes—can be hard to describe. Many say it should be categorized as a pasta since it’s made from semolina flour with a touch of water to form its pellet-like texture. Others claim that it predates pasta and it’s more like a grain. But no matter if you're team pasta or team grain, there's no arguing that couscous is a great ingredient to incorporate fiber and protein into a healthy summer lunch. On the hunt for another delicious way to use this unique ingredient? Check out Ree’s Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls!
What’s the difference between Moroccan and Israeli couscous?
Grocery stores will have a few different options for couscous available. The main two being Moroccan and Israeli (also sometimes called pearl couscous). Both are made from semolina flour, with the biggest difference being their size. Moroccan couscous is incredibly small, which means it cooks super fast. To cook, bring water to a boil in a small pot, then add the couscous. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, then toss with a fork. Israeli couscous, with its little pearl shape, is nearly double the size. Because of this, it needs to be cooked in a pot of boiling water like pasta, then drained. It's cook time is about 10 minutes.
Do I have to use Moroccan couscous for this recipe?
If Israeli couscous is what you have or you prefer a chewier, pasta-like texture, you can absolutely use it in place of Moroccan couscous in this recipe. Be sure to read the instructions on the back of the container to ensure it's cooked properly. Plan to boil the couscous like pasta, then drain and rinse under cold water before proceeding with step 2.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- Yields:
- 8 - 10 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 20 mins
Ingredients
- 1 c.
Moroccan couscous
- 1 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 c.
plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp.
lemon juice
- 1 tbsp.
dijon mustard
- 1
garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1
pint multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1
English cucumber, sliced and quartered (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 c.
crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 c.
toasted, chopped walnuts
- 1/3 c.
thinly sliced green onion
- 1/4 c.
chopped Italian parsley
- 1 tbsp.
chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp.
pomegranate seeds, to serve, optional
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 10)
- Calories170 Fat10 gSaturated fat2 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol4 mgSodium202 mgCarbohydrates15 gFiber2 gSugar2 gProtein4 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium44 mgIron1 mgPotassium166 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Stir in the couscous and 1 teaspoon of salt. Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and fluff with a fork. Let cool completely.
- Step 2In a large bowl whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt until combined. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, feta, walnuts, green onion, and cooled couscous to the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the parsley and dill. Serve with pomegranate seeds, if you like.
Tip: For an extra tangy finish, drizzle this salad with balsamic glaze!
You Have to Try These Harvest Bowls for Lunch
Ree's Mediterranean Orzo Salad Feeds a Crowd
25 Christmas Salads That Are Merry and Bright
Nothing's More Iconic Than Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below