Couscous Salad

Couscous salad is hearty, fresh, and easy to make. This gorgeous dish features fresh, seasonal ingredients like cucumber, red onion, herbs, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle everything in a simple and bright lemon juice dressing!

I love making this couscous for a summer cookout because it’s the perfect, simple side dish and pairs easily with any grilled protein (chicken, shrimp, burgers, steak, salmon, etc.)! This couscous salad can also be enjoyed solo as a light dinner or tasty little lunch.

Couscous is the best because it cooks SUPER fast, making it a very convenient ingredient to utilize in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of this couscous salad recipe and fresh veggies, check out my delicious Asparagus Couscous Salad or this incredible Chicken And Mango Couscous Salad. You can’t go wrong with either of these variations.

Ingredients To Make Couscous Salad

For the couscous:

• Couscous — I like using whole wheat couscous to make my salad heartier, but any will do.
• Water — For cooking couscous.
• Salt and pepper — Simple seasonings for big flavor. Add them to taste!

Salad Ingredients:

• Red onion — Delicious and spicy! If the flavor of your onion is too strong, you can soak it in cool water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
• Tomatoes — I like using cherry tomatoes because they’re extra sweet. Grape tomatoes will also work.
• Cucumber — For a bit of crunch.
• Fresh herbs — I generally use parsley and mint for this recipe.
• Feta crumbles — Salty cheese pairs nicely with bright, lemony dressing.

For The Salad dressing (lemon vinaigrette):

• Fresh lemon juice — Freshly squeezed is always best, though bottled can work in a pinch! If you prefer, you can replace lemon juice with white wine vinegar.
• Extra virgin olive oil — You can also substitute avocado oil.
• Garlic — One to two whole cloves, finely minced.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper — To taste.
• Optional: lemon zest

Instructions to Make Couscous Salad Recipe

Cooking the couscous:

• Measure water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Remove from the heat and add your couscous!

• Place a lid on the saucepan and allow the couscous to soak in hot water or chicken broth for about 5 minutes, until soft.
• Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff to separate the fine grains, then set the couscous to the side or in the fridge and allow it to cool while you work on everything else!

Make dressing:

• In a small bowl or glass mason jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk until ingredients are well combined, then do a taste test and add more salt or pepper if desired.

Assemble and serve:

• Transfer couscous to a large bowl, then add halved cherry tomatoes, veggies, herbs, and salty feta crumbles.

• Mix well, drizzle homemade lemon dressing over ingredients, and then toss again so everything gets a nice coating.
• Do a taste test and add a bit more salt/pepper if necessary, then serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Couscous Salad?

Grilled Chicken: Serve your couscous salad with grilled chicken thighs, grilled chicken wings or grilled chicken breast for a hearty and protein-packed meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like roasted potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to complement the salad’s flavors.

Bread or Rolls: Soft dinner rolls, garlic bread, or pita bread make for excellent accompaniments to scoop up the salad.

Kebabs: Skewer shrimp or grilled chicken kebabs and serve them alongside your couscous salad.