Description
A light and refreshing Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad featuring tender Israeli couscous tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, topped with optional crumbled feta cheese. Perfect as a summer side dish or an easy, make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Couscous
- 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
Salad
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the pearl couscous, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the couscous with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and basil. Toss gently to mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately at room temperature. Enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.
Notes
- This salad is ideal for picnics and meal prep as it can be served cold or at room temperature.
- You can substitute couscous with quinoa or orzo to suit your preference.
- For added protein and a heartier meal, mix in chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
