Description
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish made with pearl couscous, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, olives, and a zesty lemon-dill vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch, hearty side, or meatless main that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette:
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dill weed (fresh or dried)
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Salad:
- 2 cups pearl couscous
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for toasting couscous)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 English cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 15–20 fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 3 oz baby mozzarella balls or feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a medium pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté pearl couscous until lightly golden. Add boiling water and cook per package directions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, chickpeas, artichokes, and olives.
- Add cooled couscous and chopped basil to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Whisk vinaigrette again and pour over salad. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Stir in mozzarella or feta if using. Garnish with extra basil before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Switch up herbs with parsley or mint for different flavor profiles.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.
- Store vinaigrette separately and mix in before serving for the best texture.
- Great make-ahead dish that tastes better after marinating overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
