Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Healthy, fast, and full of flavor—this Mediterranean couscous salad is packed with fresh summer veggies, salty feta cheese, and dressed with an herby lemon vinaigrette.
Easy Couscous Salad with a Mediterranean Flair
Looking for a light, refreshing, and super simple dish you can whip up in minutes? This easy couscous salad with a Mediterranean twist is a colorful, flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for warm-weather lunches, meal prep, or a healthy side at your next barbecue. With tender Israeli couscous, crisp veggies, and a fresh herby dressing, it’s the kind of dish that tastes like sunshine and also makes you feel good.
Simple Ingredients
- Couscous– For this salad we use Israeli couscous (also called pearl couscous) which are larger than traditional couscous, and have a tender pasta like texture.
- Dressing- Olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, fresh herbs, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Additional ingredients– Fresh corn on the cob, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese.
You’ll Love This Recipe Because…
It’s quick and easy and can be ready in about 30-minutes, including the prep. The ingredients here are fresh, and especially during the summer where we can take advantage of garden veggies. You can also customize with items you love—add olives for a salty bite, or swap out the feta cheese for parmesan. This salad is light and healthy and perfect for all occasions.
How To Make Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Cook the couscous- Start by preparing the couscous according to the manufactures instructions. Drain, rinse lightly, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the veggies– Prep your veggies, tomatoes and cheese while the couscous is cooking.
Make the vinaigrette– To a mason jar with a fitted lid add all the dressing ingredients. Place the lid on and give it a good shake until combined.
Assemble the salad– Add the cooled couscous to a salad bowl and top with ingredients, then pour in all the dressing. Toss well and allow to set in the refrigerator for at least 30-minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Recipe Tips
Grill the corn– This is optional but adds a slightly smoky flavor and gives the salad a nice texture. You can also add the corn in raw.
Use lots of fresh herbs- The more the better! Fresh herbs add a wonderful flavor and freshness to any salad. Here we use chives, basil, and dill.
Add in protein– Toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier version.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Equipment
- 1 pot to cook couscous
- 1 small mason jar or bowl for dressing
- 1 salad bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup uncooked Israeli (pearl) couscous
- 1 corn on the cob
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup English cucumber, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive or avocado oil
- 1 medium lemon, juiced, about 1/4 cup
- 1 smashed garlic clove or minced if you like it more garlicky
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup packed fresh herbs, chopped fine we use chives, basil, and dill
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup couscous according to the package directions. Make sure to drain any excess liquid and give the cooked couscous a light rinse. Allow to cool completely before assembling salad.
- Prepare the other salad ingredients: 1 corn on the cob, 1 cup tomatoes, 1 cup cucumbers, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 cup feta cheese. You can remove the corn from the cob and add it to the salad raw or grill it. Heat a grill to medium high heat. Place corn cob without the husk directly onto the grill and char on all sides. This takes about 5-6 minutes. Remove corn from the cob and allow to cool.
- Make the dressing by adding 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 medium lemon, juiced, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 cup packed fresh herbs to a small mason jar with fitted lid, if you have it. Place the lid on and shake until well combined; or use a whisk and bowl. Taste for seasonings.
- Add the cooled couscous to a salad serving bowl and toss in the salad ingredients along with the prepared dressing. Use a spoon to combine well. Place in the refrigerator for 30-minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
Nutrition
More Fresh Salads To Enjoy
Craving more fresh and flavorful salads? After enjoying this Mediterranean couscous salad, keep the inspiration going with a few more vibrant dishes! Try this easy protein-packed Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, my crowd-pleasing Spaghetti Pasta Salad, or this crunchy and satisfying Kale Crunch Chicken Salad.
For something cool and creamy, Cucumber Tomato Salad hits the spot, while this Tuscan Tuna Salad brings bold, briny flavor with a healthy twist. Each one is easy to make and perfect for warm-weather meals or make-ahead lunches!
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