Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for couscous salad! It’s like a burst of sunshine in a bowl—refreshing, colorful, and oh-so-flavorful! I love how versatile it is, too. Whether I’m serving it alongside grilled chicken for a cozy dinner or packing it up for a picnic in the park, it always steals the show. I remember one summer picnic where this salad was the star; everyone was going back for seconds, and I felt like a culinary superhero! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, making it my go-to dish for gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about this couscous salad at every meal!
Ingredients for Couscous Salad
- 1 cup couscous – the star of our salad, fluffy and perfect for soaking up flavors!
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water – this helps the couscous cook to perfection!
- 1 cucumber, diced – adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 bell pepper, diced – choose your favorite color for a pop of vibrancy!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – these little jewels bring sweetness and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – for that zesty kick!
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped – fresh herbs always elevate the flavors!
- 1/4 cup olive oil – for richness and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – brightens everything up; you’ll love it!
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season; it makes all the difference!
How to Prepare Couscous Salad
Getting this couscous salad ready is super simple and so rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, delicious dish in no time. Trust me, it’s all about layering those flavors and letting everything chill together for the best taste. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
First, grab a bowl and combine the 1 cup of couscous with 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Give it a quick stir, then cover the bowl with a lid or a plate. This is crucial, folks! Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb all that hot water and fluff up beautifully. You’ll be amazed at the transformation!
Step 2: Fluff and Mix Ingredients
Once the couscous has soaked up all that goodness, it’s time to fluff it with a fork. You want it light and airy! Then, toss in the diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Mix everything gently to combine those colors and textures—how gorgeous does it look already?
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Now let’s whip up a zesty dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing is what brings everything to life, so don’t skimp on the seasoning! Taste it as you go to make sure it’s just right—adjust if you need a bit more zing!
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour that delightful dressing over your salad and toss everything together until it’s well-coated and shiny. Now, here’s the secret: cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes every bite burst with freshness when you serve it!
Tips for Success
To make the absolute best couscous salad, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients—trust me, it makes a world of difference! Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies; try adding radishes for a peppery crunch or some avocado for creaminess. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For a little extra flair, consider adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist. And remember, letting it chill before serving isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for those flavors to truly shine!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guide. For one serving of this delicious couscous salad, you can expect around 250 calories, 10g of fat, 7g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a light, healthy option that’s perfect for any meal, giving you a nutritious boost without compromising on flavor!
FAQ About Couscous Salad
Got questions about couscous salad? I’ve got answers! If you’re wondering how to store leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for up to 3 days. As for variations, the sky’s the limit! You can add things like chickpeas for protein, or swap in seasonal veggies based on what you have on hand. Want to serve it differently? Try it as a filling for lettuce wraps or alongside grilled meats for a delightful contrast!
Also, if you’re preparing this salad for a crowd, doubling the recipe is super easy—just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything together. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks and gatherings, and trust me, folks will keep coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings!
- Loaded with fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice that’s bursting with flavor.
- Super customizable—swap in your favorite vegetables or add proteins to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for several days!
- A delightful addition to any meal or a standalone dish that shines on its own.
Couscous Salad: 7 Reasons It’s Your New Favorite Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing couscous salad packed with vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine couscous and boiling water.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork.
- Add diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can be served as a side or main dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: couscous, salad, Mediterranean, healthy