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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 For this salad, I love using fresh, crisp vegetables that bring color and flavor. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. Cherry tomatoes provide sweetness, and bell peppers add a nice pop. Red onion gives a mild bite, balancing the flavors. - 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 Herbs are key in this dish. Fresh parsley and mint add brightness and depth. The lemon zest and juice give a zesty kick that lifts the whole salad. Olive oil ties everything together with richness. I always season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. - 1/2 cup feta cheese If you want to add creaminess, consider using feta cheese. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the fresh ingredients. You can skip it for a lighter salad or if you prefer a vegan option. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. This is a key step to ensure the couscous cooks perfectly. As soon as the liquid starts to bubble, pour in 1 cup of couscous. Give it a quick stir, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the couscous to absorb all the liquid. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. This separates the grains and helps it cool slightly. While the couscous rests, take a large mixing bowl. Chop 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and 1/4 of a red onion into small pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Add all these fresh veggies to the bowl. Next, chop 1/2 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. Stir these herbs into the bowl with the veggies. Mixing them well ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Now, let’s make the zesty lemon dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 large lemon with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing adds a bright and fresh flavor to the salad. Once the couscous has cooled, it’s time to combine everything. Add the fluffy couscous to the bowl with the veggies and herbs. Pour the lemon dressing over the top. Using a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure the dressing coats everything evenly. If you like, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to match your taste. To get fluffy couscous, start by bringing the broth or water to a boil. Once it boils, add the couscous and stir. Cover it and let it sit for five minutes. This lets the couscous absorb all the liquid. After five minutes, use a fork to fluff it gently. This separates the grains and stops it from clumping. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the salad. You can boost the taste of your salad by adding more lemon juice or zest. If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper are also key. Taste as you go. If it needs more flavor, don’t hesitate to add a bit more seasoning. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add a bright flavor, so use them generously. For a beautiful presentation, serve your salad in a large bowl. Chill the salad for a refreshing touch. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This not only looks good but also adds more aroma. A colorful display makes the dish more inviting. Enjoy your salad as a side or a light main dish! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavor of your couscous salad. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also add vibrant colors to your dish. Let it Chill: For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like olives, avocado, or chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your preferences. Perfectly Fluff Couscous: Always fluff your couscous gently with a fork after cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky. This will ensure a light and airy texture in your salad. {{image_4}} You can change the veggies for this salad to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Zucchini: Instead of cucumber, add diced zucchini for a softer bite. - Carrots: Grated carrots can bring a nice crunch and sweetness. - Radishes: Sliced radishes add a peppery flavor and a pop of color. - Broccoli: Chopped broccoli florets give a nutritious twist and extra crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. The key is to keep it fresh and colorful! If you want a vegan dish, it's easy to adjust. Just leave out the feta cheese. You can use these plant-based swaps instead: - Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. - Avocado: Diced avocado brings creaminess that many people love. - Tofu: Crumbled tofu can add texture and protein to your salad. These options keep the dish rich and satisfying while staying plant-based! To make your salad more filling, try adding some protein. Here are a few great options: - Grilled chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast pairs well with the bright flavors. - Chickpeas: Canned or cooked chickpeas add protein and a nice bite. - Shrimp: Grilled shrimp can add a lovely seafood touch. These additions will make your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad a hearty meal! To keep your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them right away. This keeps the flavors bright and the veggies crisp. The salad will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Before serving again, stir it gently to mix the ingredients. You might want to add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the taste. You can freeze this salad, but some ingredients do not freeze well. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Avoid adding fresh herbs or feta cheese before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the salad in the fridge overnight. After it thaws, mix it well. Add fresh herbs and feta cheese for the best taste. The salad tastes best when fresh, but it can last. In the fridge, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last for up to 2 months. After this time, the flavors may fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before enjoying your salad. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Here are my best tips for preparing ahead of time: - Cook the couscous: Prepare the couscous and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. - Chop the veggies: Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge. - Mix the dressing: Whisk the lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. Store it in a jar or small bowl. - Combine before serving: When ready to serve, mix the couscous, veggies, and dressing. This keeps everything fresh. No, traditional couscous is not gluten-free. It's made from wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, try these alternatives: - Quinoa: This seed cooks quickly and has a nice texture. - Rice: Both white and brown rice work well in this salad. - Cauliflower rice: A low-carb option that adds great flavor. - Gluten-free couscous: Some brands offer gluten-free versions, so check your local store. If you want to add some heat to your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, try these ideas: - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch into the salad for a mild kick. - Chili powder: Mix a little into the dressing for added warmth. - Jalapeños: Finely chop fresh jalapeños and add them to the mix. - Hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the salad before serving. This salad pairs well with many dishes for a complete meal. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken: The flavors of lemon and herbs complement the chicken nicely. - Fish: Baked or grilled fish adds protein and pairs well with the salad. - Vegetable skewers: These add more veggies and a fun touch to your meal. - Hummus and pita: A tasty side that brings more Middle Eastern flavors. This blog post showed you how to create a flavorful Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. You learned about fresh ingredients, herbs, and a simple dressing. We covered the cooking steps and tips for perfect couscous. You can try variations like adding protein or using different veggies. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, too. Enjoy experimenting with this easy, tasty recipe that fits any meal and meets your dietary needs. Prepare ahead, and serve it with your favorite dish for a delightful experience.

Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
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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 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth or water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
  • As soon as the liquid reaches a boil, pour in the couscous and give it a quick stir. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and set it aside for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb all the liquid.
  • After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous gently, separate the grains, and let it cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, take a large mixing bowl and combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint, stirring to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of the lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
  • Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Pour the zesty lemon dressing over the top of the couscous and vegetables.
  • Using a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and the dressing coats everything evenly. If desired, incorporate the feta cheese for an added touch of creaminess and flavor.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed—adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Notes

For an impressive presentation, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature and garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Keyword couscous, herbs, lemon, salad, vegetarian