Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

I love making Mediterranean couscous salad for my weekly meal prep. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This refreshing dish is perfect for busy weekdays when you need something nutritious and satisfying.

Start by cooking the couscous according to package instructions. While the couscous cools, chop fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. For an extra Mediterranean flair, I also add some olives and crumbled feta cheese.

For protein, I often include chickpeas. They’re a great plant-based option that keeps well in the fridge. I dress the salad with a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley and mint. This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches.

A Vibrant Dish for Meal Prep

This Mediterranean couscous salad is a staple for weekly meal prep. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays. The salad is a delightful mix of fluffy couscous and fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

To start, prepare the couscous according to package instructions. While it’s cooling, chop vibrant ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. The addition of olives and crumbled feta adds a distinctive Mediterranean flair that elevates the overall taste.

Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference

The choice of ingredients plays a significant role in this salad’s vibrancy. Fresh cucumbers bring crunch, while halved cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness. The sharpness of red onion complements the creaminess of feta, creating a delightful flavor profile.

Black olives provide a briny contrast, enhancing the Mediterranean experience. Adding chickpeas not only boosts the protein content but also contributes to the dish’s heartiness. This combination keeps the salad satisfying and nutritious throughout the week.

A Simple Dressing for Enhanced Flavor

Dressing the salad is straightforward yet effective. A mix of olive oil and lemon juice adds brightness, while chopped parsley and mint infuse it with freshness. Season with salt and pepper to taste for a complete flavor experience.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. This process ensures every bite is coated in vibrant flavors, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish. The dressing’s simplicity allows the ingredients’ natural flavors to shine through.

Perfect for Storage

This Mediterranean couscous salad is uniquely suited for meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a practical choice for those looking to maintain healthy eating habits. Portioning it into individual containers provides grab-and-go convenience for busy lunches or snacks.

The flavors actually improve over time as they meld together, making each subsequent serving just as satisfying as the first. It’s a salad that keeps giving throughout the week, making it a favorite in many households.

Versatile and Adaptable

One of the best features of this salad is its versatility. It can easily be adapted based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. For example, grilled chicken or salmon can be added for extra protein and flavor.

With endless possibilities for customization, the Mediterranean couscous salad remains an appealing option for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a weekday lunch, a picnic, or a potluck gathering. Embrace the colors and flavors of this dish, and enjoy a nutritious meal that aligns with your lifestyle.

A Versatile Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

A vibrant Mediterranean couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, garnished with herbs.

This Mediterranean couscous salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines tender couscous with crunchy vegetables and creamy feta. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it an even more delightful meal as the week goes on.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the couscous cools, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, chopped vegetables, olives, crumbled feta, and chickpeas.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or portion into individual containers. This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

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