This fresh, summery and simple asparagus couscous salad is tossed with asparagus, whole wheat couscous, red onions, kalamata olives and homemade vinaigrette. This is definitely a tasty and vibrant summer meal.
I hope that you had an awesome weekend and are ready for a super delicious, easy lunch salad! Today I’m sharing this asparagus couscous salad recipe that’s been my first choice lunch when I don’t have much time or when I just don’t feel like spending lots of time in the kitchen cooking. Why is this asparagus couscous recipe my go-to salad? It is only because couscous is really the fastest ingredient to cook. In 5 minutes you have your couscous fluffy and delicious. You will need only a heatproof bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over the couscous, cover and let sit for 5 minutes, uncover, fluff with a fork, and it is done!!
While you are waiting for your couscous to be ready, you sauté the asparagus in a skillet. What I mean is: you won’t waste your time in the kitchen. Instead you will have more time to be with your loved ones outside because it’s time to enjoy the sunny and warm days of summer! Yes, I know… nothing better than to be outside in a beautiful summer day eating a healthy and fresh salad like this one.
The kalamata olives really hold the salad together. I love these olives and have been using them a ton. I’ve been making this Leek Kalamata Rice and Kalamata Collard Quinoa Salad.
This salad is totally vegan, made with whole wheat couscous for more fiber, flavorful kalamata olives, red onions and homemade vinaigrette. I really suggest you make your vinaigrette because it tastes much better than the store bought dressings and you can avoid the high sodium and preservatives that come in the bottled options. This asparagus couscous salad is light, fluffy and very tasty. Top it with some feta cheese if you prefer. This time I omitted it cause I am trying to eat last dairy these days. So, hope you love it!
I love couscous and always have a ton on hand. Want to try another delicious couscous recipe? Try my Zucchini Couscous Salad, Easy Couscous Salad, and Chicken and Mango Couscous Salad!
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Asparagus Couscous Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup asparagus, (the spears should be cut at a diagonal in 1 and 2 inch pieces)
- ½ cup red onions diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives diced
- ¼ cup homemade vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a medium heatproof bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over the couscous.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Uncover, fluff with a fork, and set aside to let cool for 5 minutes more.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add asparagus. Cook and stir about 4 minutes or until tender-crisp.
- In the same bowl used to cook the couscous, add asparagus and all the remain ingredients. Stir really well along with the homemade vinaigrette. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it is necessary. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Make sure to cut off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard them.
- You can swap for shallots if you do not have red onions.
- You can use regular couscous if you prefer.
- To store: I recommend not adding the dressing to the asparagus couscous salad if you plan on storing it in the fridge as it can get soggy. This salad lasts for up to 4 days in the fridge when stored separately.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
This salad looks amazing! I love how healthy and filling it is!
Brielle @ Breezy Bakes says
Oh I heart couscous so much!!! I miss making it for my family (since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac). She ruined everything! Haha! Just kidding. I’m totally making this with quinoa, though, since my girls LOVE olives and asparagus. What a great recipe!
Julia says
What a fresh and healthful salad! I can see why this would be your go-to..so much texture and flavor! I’m thinking I should make this with dinner tonight.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh this salad looks perfect, Olivia! I always forget to cook with couscous, so I’m loving this! What a fresh dish for the summer!
Sues says
I’ve been obsessed with asparagus lately and am always up for a quinoa salad! Perfect summer meal!
Kelly says
I can’t get enough of asparagus during lately! It sounds awesome with the couscous! Love this beautiful salad!
Ashley says
I can see why this has been a go-to for you for lunch! It looks so fresh and delicious! Love that asparagus!