Description
Light Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick lunch, this salad brings together the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and aromatic herbs. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare this easy-to-make recipe that not only nourishes your body but also pleases your palate. Serve it chilled as a main course or as a colorful side to complement your favorite proteins. With its nutritious ingredients and versatility, this salad is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking couscous
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced (1/4 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup diced English cucumber (1/4 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (1/8 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mint, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook couscous by bringing 1 cup water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in 1 cup couscous and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- While couscous cooks, dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper; finely chop the red onion.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and combine it with the diced vegetables, rinsed chickpeas, and olives in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix feta cheese (if using), chopped herbs, lemon peel, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and gently toss until well combined.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg