Description
A bright, fresh, and flavorful Mediterranean couscous salad with feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Israeli couscous (175g)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (360ml)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
- 1 medium cucumber, diced (about 200g)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (40g)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (75g)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (75g)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (45ml)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the Israeli couscous, stir once, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- While the couscous cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red onion, slice the olives, and chop the parsley. Mince the garlic finely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add the veggies, olives, and crumbled feta to the warm couscous. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Taste again and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately warm or cover and chill for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Use Israeli couscous for best texture; soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness; fresh lemon juice is essential for bright flavor; add a splash of olive oil before serving for freshness; salad tastes better after sitting for a while; can be served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Mediterranean couscous salad, feta salad, quick salad recipe, healthy lunch, easy side dish, Israeli couscous, fresh salad