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- 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional) Each of these ingredients adds a unique flavor. The couscous forms the base of the salad. The fresh veggies add crunch and color. The lemon gives it a bright taste that wakes up your palate. - Avocado, diced - Olives, sliced - Chickpeas, drained and rinsed - Grilled chicken or shrimp Adding any of these options brings more depth. Avocado adds creaminess. Olives give a salty bite. Chickpeas add protein and texture. Grilled meats can make it heartier. If you don’t have couscous, you can use quinoa or rice. Vegetable broth can swap for chicken broth for more flavor. If you need a different herb, try basil or cilantro. For a vegan version, skip the feta or use a vegan cheese. These substitutions allow you to customize the salad. Feel free to play with flavors and textures. Cooking should be fun and reflect your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add 1 cup of couscous. Stir it well, then take it off the heat. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to soak up all the liquid. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Set it aside to cool slightly. While the couscous cools, it’s time to chop the veggies. Take a large bowl and add 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 diced bell pepper. You can choose red or yellow, whichever you prefer. Next, finely chop 1/4 of a red onion and add it to the bowl. Finally, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint. This mix adds freshness and color to your salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 large lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will bring a bright flavor to the salad. Pour this dressing over the large bowl with the veggies. Next, add the fluffed couscous. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of feta cheese for a creamy touch. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the freshness! To fluff couscous, use a fork. After letting it sit for five minutes, gently stir. This breaks up clumps and adds air. You want light, fluffy grains. Avoid using a spoon; it can mash the couscous. For a tasty dressing, mix lemon zest and juice with olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until combined. This makes the dressing bright and fresh. Always taste and tweak it to your liking. You can also add garlic for extra punch. Serve your salad in a large bowl. This makes it look inviting. For a nice touch, add lemon wedges around the edges. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for color. You can also add feta cheese for creaminess. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. Pro Tips Chill for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the taste as the ingredients meld together. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect option for meal prep or potlucks. Just add the feta cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers of different colors to add variety and nutrition. {{image_2}} To make a vegan lemon herb couscous salad, simply skip the feta cheese. This makes the dish plant-based and just as tasty. You can add extra veggies, like sliced radishes or carrots. They add crunch and color. If you want to boost protein, add chickpeas or black beans. They work well with the flavors of this salad. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer meat. Just make sure to cook it separately before mixing it in. Feel free to get creative with herbs! You can swap parsley and mint for cilantro or basil. Each herb gives a new twist to the same base recipe. Experimenting with herbs can make your salad unique every time. To keep your lemon herb couscous salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. Just remember to stir it well before serving again. You can freeze couscous salad, but it may change texture. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the fresh herbs and feta cheese. These do not thaw well. Store the salad in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To serve the salad cold, take it straight from the fridge. If you want it warm, gently heat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil and stir. This will help bring back its flavors. For an exciting twist, top it with extra herbs or lemon zest before serving. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. The flavors blend well over time, making it even tastier as days pass. However, if you add feta, it may spoil faster. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can make this salad a day ahead. It tastes great chilled and allows the flavors to meld. Prepare the couscous and veggies, then mix them together. Add the lemon dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh. This way, you save time on busy days. Couscous is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, try quinoa or rice. Both provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the alternative you choose. In this post, we explored the simple yet tasty world of couscous. We covered essential ingredients, optional flavors, and ingredient swaps. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting texture and taste. We also shared fun variations and smart storage tips. Couscous is easy to make and versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways! With this guide, you can create delicious couscous dishes that impress. Try different flavors and enjoy fresh meals. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1.25 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 0.25 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 whole large lemon, zest and juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil.
  • Once the liquid is boiling, stir in the couscous. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs all the liquid.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  • While the couscous cools, prepare the vegetables: in a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the fluffed couscous to the large bowl with the vegetables and pour the lemon dressing over the top.
  • Gently toss everything together until well mixed. If desired, fold in feta cheese for added creaminess.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Keyword couscous, healthy, salad, vegetarian