Mediterranean Couscous Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean couscous salad featuring fresh vegetables, feta, olives, and toasted pine nuts, perfect for light lunches or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable stock ⓘ
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking couscous
- 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 3 ounces Feta cheese, diced into 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons minced arugula
- 3 tablespoons minced watercress ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons minced green onion ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- salt
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- romaine lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Mix quick-cooking couscous into the boiling stock.
- Cover the saucepan and remove from heat.
- Let the couscous stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork.
- Transfer the couscous to a medium bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try substituting half of the vegetable stock with a splash of white wine. If you don't have arugula or watercress, baby spinach can work well as a substitute. To save time, prepare the couscous ahead and let it cool, making this a quick addition to your meal, especially alongside Mediterranean recipes like the Three Tomato Tart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mediterranean Couscous Salad on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, and can also be a delightful side for dishes like Mediterranean Sandwiches. For a heartier meal, consider adding chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, fluff the couscous with a fork and microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to maintain moisture. This salad can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Couscous Salad contains roughly 147 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep the couscous and vegetables separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. Combine them right before serving and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for a non-dairy option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and herbs as a Feta substitute. For a different flavor profile, goat cheese can also work well in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Mediterranean Couscous Salad stores well and can be portioned out for easy lunches throughout the week. Just remember to add the dressing right before eating to keep the ingredients fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).