Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

$To make this bright and tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you need just a few key ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a fresh and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. You can add a personal touch to your salad with some optional ingredients: - Feta cheese crumbles - Avocado, diced - Bell peppers, chopped - Olives, sliced Feel free to mix and match based on what you love or have on hand. Adding these extras can enhance both flavor and texture. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, there are easy swaps you can make: - Swap couscous for quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. - Use a different broth if you need it to be vegetarian or vegan. - Replace feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether. These substitutions keep your salad delicious while catering to your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook couscous well, start with a medium saucepan. Bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. This step is key because the broth adds flavor. Once it boils, stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the saucepan and take it off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the couscous soak up all the broth. After 5 minutes, fluff it with a fork. This makes the couscous light and airy. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the salad mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine your fresh ingredients. Start with 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Next, add 1/2 cucumber, diced into small pieces. For a bit of crunch, include 1/4 red onion, finely chopped. Now, add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves. These herbs will give the salad a bright flavor. Don’t forget to zest and juice 1 lemon. This adds a fresh, tangy taste that really shines through. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the lemon zest and juice to your bowl of veggies. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, which makes the salad rich. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the flavors blend. Finally, gently fold in the fluffed couscous. Be careful not to mash it. If you like, sprinkle feta cheese crumbles on top before serving. This adds a creamy texture. Enjoy your vibrant Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! To make the best couscous salad, start with fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. They add great flavor and crunch. Always measure your broth carefully. The right amount helps the couscous cook perfectly. Let the couscous sit covered for five minutes. This time allows it to absorb all the broth. Fluff it gently with a fork. This keeps it light and airy. To boost flavor, try adding more herbs. Chopped basil or cilantro can bring new tastes. You can also mix in some olives for a briny kick. If you like spice, add diced jalapeños. Remember to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your liking. Feta cheese adds creaminess, but it is optional. Feel free to skip it or use a dairy-free version. Presentation makes a big difference. Serve the salad in a large bowl for sharing. For a fancy touch, use individual bowls. Garnish each serving with lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs. This adds color and makes it look appealing. A sprinkle of extra feta can also enhance the look. Remember to enjoy your beautiful creation! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the vibrant flavors of the salad. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Customizable Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or chickpeas for added texture and nutrition. Perfect Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to finely zest the lemon, which will release more essential oils for a stronger flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegan. Just skip the feta cheese. It still tastes great without it. You might also want to add more veggies. Try adding bell peppers or roasted carrots. These will add flavor and color. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can replace the cheese's creaminess. If you want to make this salad filling, add protein. Chickpeas work well; they are healthy and tasty. Just drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then mix them in. You could also add grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer meat. Tofu is another great option for a plant-based protein. Use seasonal vegetables for fresh flavors. In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, you can try zucchini or corn. Fall brings great squash options, like butternut or acorn. In winter, consider adding roasted root vegetables. This keeps your salad exciting and reflects what’s fresh. To store your leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from getting dry. If you added feta cheese, store it separately. Cheese can make the salad soggy. Keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days. Couscous can dry out easily. To keep it fresh, store it in a covered container. You can also lightly drizzle a bit of olive oil on the couscous. This helps retain moisture and flavor. If the couscous feels dry when you eat it again, add a splash of water. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to help it fluff up again. For easy meal prep, make a large batch of this salad. Divide it into portions in small containers. This makes it quick to grab when you are in a rush. You can also freeze the couscous separately. When you want to eat it, simply thaw and mix it with fresh veggies. This way, you enjoy the flavors while saving time on busy days. You can store Lemon Herb Couscous Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. The salad tastes fresh for a day or two, but the flavors will blend over time. If you add feta cheese, enjoy it within two days for the best taste. Yes, you can use other grains. Quinoa, farro, or bulgur are great options. Each grain will give a different texture. Quinoa is gluten-free and packed with protein. Farro adds a nutty flavor, and bulgur is quick to cook. Just adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is light and nutritious. A serving has about 200 calories. It provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The salad is rich in vitamins from the veggies and herbs. Adding feta cheese will increase the protein and calcium content. This salad is great for a healthy meal or side dish. This article shared how to make a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. We covered required and optional ingredients, plus allergen swaps. Step-by-step instructions showed how to cook couscous and prepare your salad mix. I included tips for flavor, presentation, and storage. You can customize this salad to suit any taste or diet. Enjoy experimenting with seasonal veggies and protein sources. With these insights, you’re ready to create a delicious dish that keeps well for easy meals. Try it, and make it yours!$

A refreshing salad featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and herbs, dressed with lemon and olive oil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1.25 cups vegetable broth
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 unit cucumber, diced
0.25 unit red onion, finely chopped
0.25 cup parsley, chopped
0.25 cup mint leaves, chopped
1 unit lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Stir in the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the broth.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, and mint leaves.
Add the zested lemon and the lemon juice to the bowl, along with the olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
Gently fold in the fluffed couscous until well incorporated.
If desired, sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles on top just before serving.

Notes

Serve this salad in a large bowl or individual servings, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs for a vibrant touch.

Keyword couscous, healthy, salad, vegetarian