This couscous salad with feta is a vibrant, refreshing dish, filled with the crisp crunch of cucumbers, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. The addition of fresh herbs like mint and parsley, along with tangy lemon juice, elevates the flavors, making it a delightful option for warm weather dining.
Perfect as a side dish or a light main, this salad is versatile, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. It’s a wonderful addition to any summer gathering, or an ideal choice for meal prepping. The feta adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh veggies, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup couscous
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1 ½ cups boiling water
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cucumber, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Place the couscous in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the couscous, cover with a lid, and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
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Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the red onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
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Add the cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and sautéed onion to the couscous.
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Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and mint.
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Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Toss everything together and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors combine.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Couscous Salad with Feta and Fresh Veggies: A Quick and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
This Couscous Salad with Feta is the epitome of easy, healthy, and delicious cooking. With vibrant, fresh ingredients like crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this dish provides a refreshing combination of flavors. Not only does it work as a side dish, but its heartiness also makes it a perfect meal on its own. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual gathering, a quick lunch, or just for a week of meal prep, this couscous salad hits all the right notes.
A Perfect No-Cook Salad for Any Occasion
This couscous salad recipe is designed to be quick, effortless, and incredibly flavorful, making it an ideal choice for busy days. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity: it requires no cooking, just soaking the couscous in boiling water, and you’re ready to go. The sun-dried tomato dressing, made using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, adds a robust flavor that ties the entire dish together. The couscous is light and fluffy, serving as the perfect base for the fresh vegetables and feta. The dish is versatile, so whether you need a light lunch, a quick side for dinner, or a picnic-ready dish, this salad does it all.
The inclusion of chickpeas offers a delightful nutty taste and texture, making the dish even more filling and satisfying. It’s the perfect vegetarian option that still packs a punch of flavor and protein. Whether you’re looking for a simple salad to accompany a larger meal or something fresh and filling for a standalone dish, this couscous salad delivers.
Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing: The Secret Ingredient
What truly elevates this couscous salad is the sun-dried tomato dressing. The key to achieving maximum flavor in this dish is using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar as the dressing. The oil is infused with intense tomato flavors, giving it a rich and savory taste. This clever shortcut not only saves time but also enhances the salad with a depth of flavor that would otherwise require extra ingredients or preparation.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta creates a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess. Adding fresh herbs like parsley and mint infuses the salad with a fresh, aromatic touch, while lemon juice adds the ideal amount of acidity to balance out the richness of the feta and olive oil.
How to Customize Your Couscous Salad
One of the best things about this couscous salad is its versatility. You can customize it according to your preferences or based on what you have available in your kitchen. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can easily substitute it with a different cheese, like goat cheese or a vegan alternative. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some nuts like toasted pine nuts or almonds to the salad.
In addition, the couscous can be substituted with other grains like quinoa or bulgur wheat for a slightly different texture and flavor. For a more Mediterranean touch, you could add Kalamata olives or roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless, making this salad a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals
This couscous salad is ideal for meal prepping. Since it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days, you can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors meld together more as the salad sits, making it even more delicious after a day or two. This makes it a great option for busy lunches or dinners when you need something quick and satisfying.
When preparing ahead, just store the couscous and vegetables in an airtight container and keep the dressing (sun-dried tomato oil) separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss everything together, and your meal is ready to enjoy in just minutes.
Health Benefits of Couscous Salad
This couscous salad with feta and fresh veggies is packed with nutrients. Couscous is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy without feeling too heavy. It’s also rich in protein, especially when paired with chickpeas, which are high in plant-based protein and fiber. The fresh vegetables—such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley—are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
The feta cheese, while rich and creamy, also offers calcium, which is essential for bone health. Furthermore, the herbs and lemon juice not only enhance the flavor but also contribute additional nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. This dish is not only a delicious option but also a nutritious one, providing a balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
A Great Pairing with Various Dishes
This couscous salad works wonderfully as a side dish to a variety of main courses. If you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner, serve it alongside grilled chicken shawarma, lamb koftas, or turkey kebabs. The bright, fresh flavors of the salad complement the rich and savory taste of these meats beautifully. Additionally, it pairs well with Middle Eastern dishes like chicken doner kebab meat, lamb shawarma, and Moroccan lamb meatballs.
If you’re looking for a lighter meal, this couscous salad can also be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian meal. The chickpeas provide a hearty texture, while the feta cheese adds richness, making this salad both satisfying and filling.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Every Kitchen
This couscous salad with feta and fresh veggies is an absolute must-try for anyone looking for an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish. With its simple preparation and vibrant ingredients, it’s a meal that can be whipped up in no time and enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a light dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese brings it all together for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and experience the perfect balance of flavors that come together in this beautiful and delicious couscous salad.