Description
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Light Mediterranean Couscous Salad, a dish that brings freshness and health to your table. This colorful salad combines wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it a delightful option for any occasion—be it picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a nutritious salad that can serve as a light main course or a perfect side dish. With its customizable ingredients, this recipe allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup quick-cooking couscous
- 1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced (1/4 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup diced english cucumber (1/4 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (1/8 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mint, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water with ½ teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 cup of couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Dice roma tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chop red onion.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork in a large bowl. Combine with diced vegetables and rinsed chickpeas.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients: feta cheese (if using), herbs, lemon peel, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until well combined.
- Allow to rest briefly before serving chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg