Mediterranean Couscous Salad (Full Recipe)
A bright, fresh, and easy salad perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light lunch. Fluffy couscous tossed with crisp vegetables, herbs, feta, and a zesty lemon dressing.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Couscous
1 cup dry couscous
1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
Vegetables & Add-Ins
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional but recommended)
Lemon Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Couscous
Place couscous in a heatproof bowl.
Add salt and olive oil.
Pour boiling water or broth over it.
Cover tightly and let sit 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
2️⃣ Prep the Veggies
While couscous cools, chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper. Rinse and drain chickpeas.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4️⃣ Assemble
In a large bowl:
Combine cooled couscous, vegetables, chickpeas, herbs, and feta.
Pour dressing over the top.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Toss again before serving.
🌿 Optional Add-Ons
Kalamata olives
Diced avocado
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Toasted pine nuts
Sun-dried tomatoes
🥡 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavor improves after a few hours as it marinates.
