Couscous Salad is a light, colorful, and refreshing dish made with fluffy couscous mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a simple, flavorful dressing. Couscous is a tiny pasta made from wheat, and it cooks very quickly, which makes this salad perfect for busy days when you want something fast and tasty. This dish is popular in many cuisines around the world, especially in Mediterranean and North African cooking, because it’s easy to customize and always tastes fresh and bright.
This salad is usually served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, family dinners, or parties. It’s healthy and filling without feeling heavy, and it’s packed with fresh flavors. Kids often enjoy Couscous Salad too because the ingredients are colorful, simple, and mild, unless you decide to add extra spices or heat.
Why You Should Try Couscous Salad
You should try Couscous Salad because it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and very versatile. You can use almost any vegetables you have on hand and easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. It’s a great recipe for beginners and simple enough for a 10 year old to help make with a little supervision.
Another great reason to love this salad is how flexible it is. It can be enjoyed as a light main dish or served as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Couscous Salad actually tastes even better after it sits for a while, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe for busy days or special gatherings.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Couscous Salad
Here is everything you need to make Couscous Salad:
- Couscous plain, uncooked
- Hot water or vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
- Cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh mint, chopped optional
- Bell pepper, diced
- Chickpeas optional, for protein
How to Make Couscous Salad
Step 1
Start by placing the couscous in a large heat-safe bowl. Pour hot water or vegetable broth over the couscous, add a little olive oil and a pinch of salt, then cover the bowl with a plate or lid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the couscous can absorb the liquid and become soft and fluffy.
Step 2
After the couscous is ready, use a fork to gently fluff it and separate the grains. This step is important because it keeps the salad light and not clumpy. Let the couscous cool slightly before adding the vegetables so they stay fresh and crisp.
Step 3
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, herbs, and chickpeas if using. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a simple dressing. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and gently stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Large heat safe mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Fork
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for dressing
- Spoon for mixing
Tips and Variation Ideas
Pre-chopped vegetables can save time on busy days.
Rinse red onion under cold water to make its flavor milder.
Add protein like grilled chicken, tuna, or feta cheese to make it more filling.
If the couscous feels dry, add a little more olive oil or lemon juice.
What can I serve with this Couscous Salad ?
I often serve this delicious Couscous Salad to my small family with a variety of drinks such as fruit juice or lemonade, and sometimes we enjoy it on its own. I also like to serve some sweets like cakes or cupcakes.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I add protein to couscous salad ?
Yes, chickpeas, chicken, tuna, or cheese work very well.
Can I use whole wheat couscous ?
Yes, whole wheat couscous adds more fiber and nutrition.
How long does couscous salad last in the fridge ?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze couscous salad ?
Freezing is not recommended because vegetables can become watery.
Couscous Salad
Course: Salads, Side DishCuisine: Mediterranean, MoroccoDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes5
minutes220
kcal20
minutesCouscous Salad is a fresh and easy dish made with fluffy couscous, colorful vegetables, herbs, and a light lemon dressing. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
Couscous plain, uncooked
Hot water or vegetable broth
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Cherry tomatoes, chopped
Cucumber, diced
Red onion, finely chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh mint, chopped optional
Bell pepper, diced
Chickpeas optional, for protein
Directions
- Start by placing the couscous in a large heat-safe bowl. Pour hot water or vegetable broth over the couscous, add a little olive oil and a pinch of salt, then cover the bowl with a plate or lid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the couscous can absorb the liquid and become soft and fluffy.
- After the couscous is ready, use a fork to gently fluff it and separate the grains. This step is important because it keeps the salad light and not clumpy. Let the couscous cool slightly before adding the vegetables so they stay fresh and crisp.
- Next, add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, herbs, and chickpeas if using. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a simple dressing. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and gently stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
- Use hot vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor.
- Fluff couscous with a fork, not a spoon, to keep it light and fluffy.
- Rinse red onions in cold water to reduce sharpness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add brightness and freshness.
