Pearl Couscous Salad
Pearl Couscous Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish made with chewy pearl couscous, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
- 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add pearl couscous, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled couscous with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Try adding chickpeas or grilled chicken for added protein.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pearl couscous, couscous salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, summer side dish