Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

$To make a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup mint leaves, finely chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a fresh and zesty salad. Couscous serves as the base. It cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors. The vegetable broth adds a rich taste. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber give a crisp bite. Red onion adds a little zing. Fresh parsley and mint bring bright notes. They make the salad feel light and refreshing. Feta cheese is optional, but it adds creaminess. The lemon juice and zest provide a tangy kick. Olive oil helps blend the flavors together. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Gather these items, and you’re ready to create a delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil. This step is key. Once it boils, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the couscous and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for five minutes. This helps the couscous absorb all the flavor. While the couscous sits, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large bowl. Next, take the cucumber and dice it into small pieces. Add that to the bowl too. Now, finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint. Don’t rush this step; fresh herbs really make the salad pop! In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and zest. This adds a bright flavor. Next, whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings everything together and adds a burst of freshness. After five minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Then transfer it to your bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a creamy touch that balances the salad. Selecting fresh vegetables is key. Look for bright colors and firm textures. For cherry tomatoes, choose ones that feel plump. Pick cucumbers that are smooth and firm. Red onions should have a shiny skin. Fresh herbs make a big difference. I always prefer fresh parsley and mint over dried. Fresh herbs add more flavor and aroma. If you must use dried herbs, use less. Dried herbs are stronger than fresh. Fluffing couscous correctly is important. After letting it sit, use a fork to gently break it up. This keeps the grains separate and light. To balance flavors, the dressing is key. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness. Olive oil adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance the taste and bring everything together. Taste the salad before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Couscous can be made gluten-free. Look for gluten-free couscous made from corn or rice. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado or leave it out completely. This salad remains tasty without it. Always check labels if you're unsure about ingredients. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint can elevate the flavor of your salad significantly. Make sure to chop them just before adding to retain their vibrant taste. Let It Chill: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your preferences. Perfecting the Dressing: Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil in the dressing to balance tanginess and richness according to your taste. A bit of honey can also add a sweet touch if desired. {{image_2}} When it comes to Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you can get creative! Adding different ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture. You can mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Radishes give a peppery bite. They make the salad more colorful and tasty. You can also change the herbs. Fresh basil brings sweetness, and cilantro adds a fresh note. Experiment with these to find your favorite mix! Want to make this salad heartier? Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. The smoky flavor pairs nicely with the lemon. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas. They are filling and add protein without meat. This salad shines as a side dish. It complements grilled meats perfectly. You can also enjoy it as a main meal. Just add your choice of protein and some extra veggies. It’s a great way to mix flavors and textures! To keep your lemon herb couscous salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. I recommend putting the salad in the fridge right after serving. It stays good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the salad looks or smells off, it's best to toss it. Freezing couscous salad is easy but not always ideal. If you need to freeze it, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This salad can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After thawing, give it a good stir. The salad may need a little extra lemon juice or olive oil to refresh the flavors before serving. Your lemon herb couscous salad can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, toss it out. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. No, couscous is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, try quinoa or rice instead. You can use a simple vinaigrette or a yogurt dressing. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a nice twist. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best. Add more lemon juice and zest for extra zing. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro can boost the flavor too. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty couscous salad. We covered the key ingredients and the steps to create a colorful dish. You learned tips for choosing fresh items and ways to customize the salad. Remember, you can add proteins or switch up herbs based on your taste. This salad is great as a meal or a side. Enjoy experimenting with it and making it your own.$

A refreshing salad with couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1.25 cups vegetable broth
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 number cucumber, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.25 cup parsley, finely chopped
0.25 cup mint leaves, finely chopped
0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1 number lemon, juice and zest
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Once boiling, remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, and mint to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Optionally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Notes

Feta cheese is optional for added flavor.

Keyword couscous, herb, lemon, salad, vegetarian