Greek Couscous Salad

Whenever I’m in need of a quick meal that bursts with flavor, I turn to my trusty Greek Couscous Salad. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during those hot summer days when the thought of slaving over a hot stove feels unbearable. Imagine a sunlit terrace, a light breeze, and a vibrant bowl of this delightful salad ready to be devoured. It’s not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for everything from picnics to family dinners.

What I love about the Greek Couscous Salad is how quickly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it. The fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing combine to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also lifts the spirit.

And let’s talk about its adaptability! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue or as a light lunch, the Greek Couscous Salad always impresses. I often find myself adding whatever vegetables I have on hand, or sometimes even tossing in some chickpeas for extra protein. It’s one of those recipes that you can truly make your own, which is why it’s been a favorite in my repertoire for so long.

Ingredient List for Greek Couscous Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to the success of the Greek Couscous Salad. This dish thrives on fresh, vibrant components that work together harmoniously. The selected ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a colorful presentation that makes this salad so appealing.

• Couscous – 1 ½ cups: A tiny pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Dried Oregano – 1 teaspoon: Adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the salad.
• Dried Parsley – 1 teaspoon: Offers a mild flavor that enhances the overall herbal profile.
• Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon: A touch of spice to round out the flavors.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning.
• Lemon – 1: Freshly zested to brighten the dish with acidity and aroma.
• Hot Vegetable Stock – 1 ¾ cups: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to the couscous.
• Cherry Tomatoes – 1 ½ cups: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor.
• Red Onion – 2 tablespoons: Finely chopped for a nice crunch and sharpness.
• Cucumber – ½: Refreshing and crisp, a perfect contrast to the other ingredients.
• Kalamata Olives – Handful: Salty and rich, they bring a Mediterranean flair.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon: A drizzle of good quality oil adds richness.
• Feta Cheese – ¾ cup: Creamy and tangy, it elevates the flavor profile.
• Fresh Oregano or Mint – To serve: Finishing herbs for added freshness.

Step by Step Instructions for Greek Couscous Salad

Creating this Greek Couscous Salad is straightforward and enjoyable. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful dish that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by tipping the couscous into a large bowl. This will be the base of your salad. Next, add the dried oregano, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Don’t forget to zest the lemon into the mixture for added flavor. Mix gently to combine everything.
2. Pour the hot vegetable stock over the couscous mixture. This is where the magic happens. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it stand for about five minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
3. Once the five minutes are up, fluff the couscous with a fork. This will separate the grains and make it light and fluffy, which is what we want.
4. Next, chop the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on your preference. Add them to the bowl along with the finely chopped red onion. These ingredients will contribute juicy bursts and crunch to the salad.
5. Now, take the cucumber, cut it in half, and remove the seeds. Then, chop it into small dice and add to the mix. This adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
6. Slice the kalamata olives into wedges and add them to the couscous mixture along with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir everything together gently, ensuring that each ingredient is well distributed.
7. Finally, serve your vibrant salad topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh oregano or mint. You can even add some wedges of the zested lemon for an extra zing when serving.

Change It Up

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Greek Couscous Salad. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for many variations. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add Protein: You can easily make this salad more filling by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Seasonal Variations: Customize the salad based on what’s in season. In the fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash or in the spring, fresh peas.
• Flavor Boosters: Try adding some chopped nuts, like almonds or pine nuts, for a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.
• Different Dressings: Experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing can change the flavor profile.
• Storage: The Greek Couscous Salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. Keep it in an airtight container for freshness.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze portions of the salad without the dressing for later enjoyment.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger Mediterranean feast for a colorful spread.

What to Serve Alongside Greek Couscous Salad

When planning a meal, the Greek Couscous Salad pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Grilled Chicken: The lightness of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, making it a perfect pairing for a summer barbecue.
• Fish: Whether it’s grilled salmon or baked cod, the freshness of the salad balances well with fish dishes.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve it alongside hummus, tzatziki, and pita for a delightful Mediterranean feast.
• Picnic Favorite: Pack the Greek Couscous Salad for a picnic with some sandwiches and fresh fruit for a light, refreshing meal.
• Light Lunch Option: Enjoy it by itself or alongside a soup for a nourishing lunch that’s both satisfying and healthy.
• Seasonal Pairing: In the summer, pair with fresh corn on the cob or a watermelon salad for a refreshing meal.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a great meal prep option!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Greek Couscous Salad is a bright, flavorful dish that’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and fluffy couscous makes it a favorite for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this salad and customize it to your liking. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit!

Greek Couscous Salad

Craving something fresh and vibrant? The Greek Couscous Salad is the ideal dish for you! Loaded with succulent vegetables, tangy feta, and fluffy couscous, it’s a quick, easy weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. Enjoy it as a side or on its own!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cup Couscous
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 Lemon
• 1 ¾ cup Hot Vegetable Stock
• 1 ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon Chopped Red Onion
• ½ Cucumber
• handful Kalamata Olives
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¾ cup Feta Cheese
• Fresh Oregano or Fresh Mint

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by tipping the couscous into a large bowl. Next, add the dried oregano, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Don’t forget to zest the lemon into the mixture for added flavor. Mix gently to combine.
2. Pour the hot vegetable stock over the couscous mixture. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it stand for about five minutes.
3. Once the five minutes are up, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
4. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, and add them to the bowl along with the finely chopped red onion.
5. Take the cucumber, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and chop it into small dice before adding it to the mix.
6. Slice the kalamata olives into wedges, add them to the couscous mixture, and stir everything together gently.
7. Serve your vibrant salad topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh oregano or mint.

Notes

• Storage: The Greek Couscous Salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Freezing: While it's best fresh, you can freeze portions of the salad without the dressing for later enjoyment.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger Mediterranean feast for a colorful spread.

Previous PostChicken Salsa Roll Ups

Next Post Oatmeal Cream Pies

Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.