We are continuing with our Side Dish series here on the blog! Mediterranean couscous salad is another one of my tried and true recipes. It is a tasty and healthy dish that is quick and super easy to prepare.
This couscous salad is a favourite in our house… and for good reason! I have been making this recipe for over 10 years! I used to buy the supermarket version eons ago when my daughters were teenagers and it was quite good, but then I realized I could make this at home in no time and to my family’s taste. This is a highly versatile recipe: you can serve it warm, at room temperature or chilled – depending on the main dish you serve it with. Plus, you can vary the ingredients according to your preference. Easy peasy, right? And, if by any chance you have leftovers, it makes a great lunch for work or school. I say it is a win-win!
RECIPE
MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS SALAD
Ready in 20 minutes. Serves 4-6 people.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD
- 1 cup uncooked couscous
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
- 6 tbsp pitted kalamata olives
- 5 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¾- 1 cup feta cheese
- ¼ red onion slivered – optional
INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRESSING
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon or red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of oregano – optional
- Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION
- For the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, the lemon (or vinegar) and the spices. Alternately, you can pour all the ingredients in a small mason jar and shake until well mixed.
- For the couscous: In a medium saucepan bring the water and the 1 tsp of olive oil to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat and cover. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous and and toss until well combined.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. I prefer to refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 1 hour and enjoy it chilled.
SERVE
This salad is the perfect complement to falafels and kafta (click for my recipe here) for when you are craving middle eastern cuisine. It also pairs well with simple entrees like roast chicken, fish or grilled shrimp. Delicious the day after, too! Just drizzle some oil and vinegar and presto.
TIPS
Pressed for time? You may use bottled dressing. Lately, I have been using a fancy greek dressing I was gifted and it tastes great, too.
Do you do couscous at home? I would love to know! Share with us in the comments below how you prepare it!
Stay tuned for more side dish recipes to come…
In the meantime, you can check my Pinterest FOOD board for other meal ideas.
Thanks for reading and sharing! XO, Lala
