This Mediterranean couscous salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell peppers, as well as chickpeas, olives, and feta cheese. The dressing is a simple lemon vinaigrette that perfectly complements the flavors of the salad.
This salad is easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking. You can add or remove any of the vegetables, or you can use a different type of dressing. You can also add cooked chicken or fish to make it a more substantial meal.
This salad is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. If you have any tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers that are starting to look a little sad, chop them up and add them to this salad. The salad will also keep well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon vinaigrette dressing (recipe below)
Instructions:
- Cook the couscous according to package directions.
- While the couscous is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Pit and chop the black olives.
- Crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the lemon vinaigrette dressing.
- Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, chickpeas, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette dressing and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful salad, you can grill the vegetables before adding them to the salad. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil and grill them over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
- You can also add cooked chicken or fish to this salad to make it a more substantial meal. Simply cook the chicken or fish according to package directions and then chop it up and add it to the salad.
- This salad is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. If you have any tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers that are starting to look a little sad, chop them up and add them to this salad. The salad will also keep well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
What Goes Well With Mediterranean Couscous Salad?
Here are some side dishes that go well with Mediterranean couscous salad:
- Grilled chicken or fish: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken or fish pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors of the couscous salad.
- Vegetable kebabs: Skewered vegetables, such as zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and onions, can be grilled or roasted and served alongside the couscous salad.
- Hummus and pita bread: Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It can be served with pita bread for a flavorful and satisfying snack or side dish.
- Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a Lebanese salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint, and lemon juice. It is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with the couscous salad.
- Shakshuka: Shakshuka is a North African dish made with eggs poached in a tomato sauce flavored with spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served with bread or couscous.
These are just a few ideas for side dishes that go well with Mediterranean couscous salad. You can also get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
How to Serve Mediterranean Couscous Salad?
Mediterranean couscous salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. It is packed with nutrients and flavors, and it is easy to make. Here are a few ideas for how to serve Mediterranean couscous salad:
- As a main course: Serve Mediterranean couscous salad with grilled chicken or fish, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
- As a side dish: Serve Mediterranean couscous salad with grilled steak or lamb, or with a side of roasted potatoes.
- In a pita pocket: Stuff Mediterranean couscous salad into pita pockets with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
- As a wrap: Wrap Mediterranean couscous salad in a whole-wheat tortilla with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
- On a salad: Top your favorite salad with Mediterranean couscous salad for a hearty and flavorful meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Mediterranean couscous salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please.
Here are some additional tips for serving Mediterranean couscous salad:
- Make it ahead: Mediterranean couscous salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply bring the salad to room temperature and toss it with a little extra olive oil.
- Get creative with the toppings: Mediterranean couscous salad is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative with the toppings. Some popular toppings include:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or cilantro
- Chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts
- Dried fruit, such as apricots, figs, or raisins
- Cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan cheese
- Serve it cold or warm: Mediterranean couscous salad can be served cold or warm. If serving it cold, be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. If serving it warm, simply cook the couscous according to the package directions and then toss it with the dressing and other ingredients while it is still warm.
Nutritional Facts
Here are the nutritional facts for a 1-cup serving of Mediterranean couscous salad:
- Calories: 206
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 238mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 6g
Is Mediterranean Couscous Salad Healthy?
Yes, Mediterranean couscous salad is a healthy option. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Health Benefits of Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mediterranean couscous salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits of Mediterranean couscous salad:
- Weight loss: The complex carbohydrates in couscous will help you feel full and satisfied, which can help you eat less overall. The fiber in the salad will also help to keep you regular and promote weight loss.
- Heart health: The monounsaturated fats in the olive oil and the fiber in the salad can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Blood sugar control: The complex carbohydrates in couscous can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes or who are at risk for developing it.
- Immune system: The vitamins and minerals in the salad, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and magnesium, can help to boost your immune system and protect you from getting sick.
- Reduced inflammation: The antioxidants in the vegetables in the salad can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improved digestion: The fiber in the salad can help to keep your digestive system healthy. Fiber helps to add bulk to stool, which can help to prevent constipation and promote regularity.
- Increased energy levels: The complex carbohydrates in couscous can provide your body with sustained energy. This is important for people who are active or who have busy lifestyles.
- Improved mood: The vitamins and minerals in the salad, such as vitamin B6, can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Conclusion
Mediterranean couscous salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing meal, give Mediterranean couscous salad a try. You won’t be disappointed.