This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Packed with vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Resting: 10 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 250g couscous
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Boiling water (enough to cover the couscous)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 small red onions, finely chopped
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 large bunch parsley (about two handfuls), finely chopped
- 1 bunch mint (about one handful), finely chopped
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Olive oil to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Couscous:
- Place 250g of couscous in a large bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Season with pepper to taste.
- Pour enough boiling water over the couscous to cover it completely.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the water.
- Fluff the Couscous:
- After the couscous has absorbed the water, use a fork to fluff it up, breaking apart any clumps.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
- Finely chop 2 small red onions.
- Dice 1 large cucumber.
- Dice 3 Roma tomatoes.
- Finely chop a large bunch of parsley (about two handfuls).
- Finely chop a bunch of mint (about one handful).
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the chopped red onions, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, parsley, and mint to the fluffed couscous.
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon over the mixture.
- Drizzle with olive oil to taste.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Mediterranean Couscous Salad at room temperature or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled meats, fish, or falafel. It also pairs well with hummus and pita bread.
Cooking Tips
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the couscous mixture.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables and herbs. Couscous provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, making it a healthy and balanced dish.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free couscous)
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect dish for meal prep, picnics, or as a side for your favorite main courses.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Mediterranean Couscous Salad. It’s a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!