![Making a Mediterranean Couscous Salad is simple and fun. You need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s a complete list of what to gather: - Couscous and Broth - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - Fresh Vegetables - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - Feta and Olives - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Dressing Components - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano Having all these ingredients ready makes cooking easy. Each item adds flavor and texture to the salad. For the full recipe, you can check the section above. This salad bursts with fresh tastes and colors. Enjoy making it! First, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once it’s boiling, remove it from heat. Stir in 1 cup of couscous and cover the pot. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to soak up all the broth. After the couscous has rested, take a fork and fluff it gently. This step keeps the grains from clumping. Allow the couscous to cool for a few minutes. It should feel light and airy. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Add 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Finally, toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. This mix brings vibrant colors and flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds zest and richness to the salad. Add the cooled couscous to the bowl with the fresh veggies. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Be careful not to break the feta. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning. If it needs more flavor, add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice. This step ensures every bite is delicious. For the best flavors, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together. You can serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Before serving, give it a gentle toss again. This keeps it fresh and appealing. To ensure your Mediterranean Couscous Salad has the right texture, fluffed couscous is key. After cooking, let the couscous rest covered for five minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff it gently. This keeps the grains separate and light. For storage, keep the salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh for three days in the fridge. If you want the best taste, eat it within the first day. Marination makes a big difference. After mixing the salad, let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. If you have time, let it marinate longer for more depth. You can adjust the dressing too. Start with the basic recipe, but feel free to add more lemon juice for tang or olive oil for richness. A pinch of extra oregano can also boost the taste. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The fresh veggies balance the rich proteins nicely. You can also serve it with pita bread for a full meal. For wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc works wonders. Its acidity complements the salad's fresh flavors. Alternatively, a light rosé brings a fruity note that matches well. For the full recipe of Mediterranean Couscous Salad, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can change up your Mediterranean couscous salad in many ways. First, consider substituting vegetables. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, try bell peppers or radishes. For a crunchier texture, add diced zucchini or shredded carrots. You can also mix in leafy greens like spinach or arugula for added freshness. Next, think about alternative dressings. Instead of the classic olive oil and lemon juice, you can use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter touch. A yogurt-based dressing brings creaminess and a tangy flavor. You could also try adding herbs like dill or mint for extra zest. Adding protein makes your couscous salad heartier. Chickpeas are a great choice, adding fiber and a nutty flavor. You can also toss in grilled chicken for a filling meal. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and sliced before adding it to the salad. For seafood lovers, consider shrimp or tuna. Grilled shrimp adds a lovely smoky flavor. Canned tuna is easy and quick. Make sure to drain it well before mixing it in. You can tailor your salad to the seasons. In summer, use light, fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. You can even add fruits like peaches or berries for a sweet twist. In winter, hearty vegetables like roasted squash or Brussels sprouts work well. You can warm the salad slightly before serving to make it cozy. For special occasions, add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots add sweetness and color. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Couscous Salad! - Duration of Freshness: Store your Mediterranean couscous salad in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors blend better after a day, making it taste even nicer. - Airtight Container Use: Always use an airtight container. This keeps your salad fresh and prevents odors from mixing. - Is Freezing Possible? Freezing couscous salad is not ideal. The texture may change when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, do it without the dressing. - Best Practices for Thawing: If you freeze it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Stir it well before serving. Add fresh dressing for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Couscous Salad 🥗. You can make this salad a day in advance. Prepare the couscous and mix all the ingredients. Store it in the fridge. The flavors blend nicely when it sits. Just remember to toss it gently before serving. Yes, you can use instant couscous. It cooks faster and is very easy to prepare. Just follow the package instructions for cooking. Instant couscous will still taste great in this dish. Absolutely! This salad works well for meal prep. It's nutritious and easy to pack. You can store it in individual containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. To make the salad heartier, add protein. Chickpeas or grilled chicken are great options. You could also mix in nuts or seeds for added texture. These additions will keep you full longer. Yes, you can substitute feta cheese. Try using goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese. These options will still give you a nice flavor. You can even leave the cheese out if you prefer. To keep couscous fluffy, don’t overcook it. Use the right amount of broth. After cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff it with a fork before mixing. This will help maintain its texture. For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post explored how to make a delicious Mediterranean couscous salad. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and serving tips. I shared methods to enhance flavors and provided variations to fit your tastes. You learned about storing the salad for freshness, and found answers to important FAQs. Embrace this recipe as a creative foundation. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Each variation can bring something special to your table. Happy cooking!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cfe68dff-f5fa-4b76-8ae2-a139936f2fd2-250x250.webp)
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of a Mediterranean Couscous Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines fluffy couscous, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Quick to prepare and bursting with nutrients, it's a delightful addition to your meal prep. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table today!