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To make this tasty Mediterranean couscous salad, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here they are: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste When picking your ingredients, focus on quality. Here’s what I suggest: - Look for ripe cherry tomatoes. They should be bright and firm. - Choose a cucumber with smooth skin. This adds crunch to the salad. - Use fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Dried herbs won’t work as well. - Get good quality feta cheese. It should crumble easily and taste fresh. Feel free to get creative! Here are some add-ins and seasonings you can try: - Add bell peppers for more color and crunch. - Toss in some chickpeas for extra protein. - Use fresh mint alongside parsley for a refreshing twist. - Try a splash of red wine vinegar for added zing. These options can make your salad unique and fun. Enjoy mixing and matching flavors! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth. Heat it until it boils. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Now, add 1 cup of couscous to the broth. Cover the pan and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to soak up all the broth. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. This step makes it light and fluffy, ready for the salad. Next, take a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your salad ingredients. Start with 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add 1/2 diced cucumber and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Toss in 1/2 cup of sliced kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Lastly, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients gently. This creates a colorful and fresh base for your salad. Now it’s time to whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture together until it’s smooth. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Now, combine the fluffed couscous with the salad mixture. Pour the dressing over it and toss gently. Ensure everything mixes well. Let your salad sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish! To fluff couscous perfectly, follow these steps. After cooking, let it sit with the lid on for five minutes. Then, use a fork to gently separate the grains. This method keeps your couscous light and fluffy. Avoid using a spoon, as it can mash the grains. I love serving this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s great as a side dish or a light meal. You can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier option. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce cups. The crunchy lettuce adds a nice texture. To enhance the flavors in your couscous salad, let it sit for a bit after mixing. Allowing the salad to rest for about 15 minutes helps the flavors meld together. You can also add extra lemon juice or herbs, like basil or mint, for a fresh taste. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. This ensures every bite is delicious. {{image_2}} Adding grilled chicken to your Mediterranean couscous salad makes it heartier. Just grill chicken breast until cooked. Slice it thin and mix it in with the salad. This boosts protein and flavor. You can season the chicken with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra taste. This option is perfect for a filling lunch. If you want a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Use cubed avocado instead. For a gluten-free salad, replace couscous with quinoa or rice. Both options give a nice texture and flavor. You can also add chickpeas for protein and fiber. These swaps keep the salad fresh and tasty while meeting dietary needs. Change your salad with seasonal produce. In spring, add fresh peas and asparagus. In summer, consider ripe peaches or berries for sweetness. Fall brings roasted squash, while winter allows for hearty root vegetables. Tailoring your salad to the season keeps it exciting and vibrant. It’s a fun way to enjoy fresh ingredients year-round! If you'd like to try these variations, check the Full Recipe for Mediterranean Couscous Salad to guide you. To keep your Mediterranean Couscous Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge. Let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. This step helps avoid condensation inside the container. Couscous can become dry when reheated. To avoid this, add a splash of vegetable broth or water before warming it up. Use a microwave or stovetop to heat it gently. Stir it well to ensure even warmth. Do not overheat, as it can change the texture. Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. However, some ingredients, like tomatoes and cucumber, may not freeze well. Instead, freeze just the couscous mixture. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, mix in fresh veggies and dressing before serving. If you can't find couscous, try quinoa or bulgur. Both grains have a similar texture. Quinoa adds a nice protein boost. Bulgur has a nutty flavor. You can also use orzo for a pasta twist. Simply cook these grains as you would couscous. Follow the package instructions for best results. Yes, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is quite healthy. It packs in many fresh veggies. The olives and feta add healthy fats. Couscous provides carbs for energy. This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals too. Plus, it’s low in calories. Eating this salad can help you feel full and satisfied. You can store this salad in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend more over time. If you notice any separation, just give it a good stir. For the best taste, eat it within the first two days. You learned how to make a tasty Mediterranean Couscous Salad. We covered fresh ingredients, optional add-ins, and easy steps to cook couscous. I shared tips for fluffing couscous and serving ideas. You can even try vegan or gluten-free options. Don’t forget the best ways to store leftovers. This dish is healthy and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking and share this colorful salad with friends and family. You'll impress everyone with your new skills.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish? Try this Mediterranean Couscous Salad that is both easy to make and delicious! Packed with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, this salad is perfect for any meal. I’ll share step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and creative variations to customize it to your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.

    Once boiling, remove from heat and add the couscous. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the broth. Fluff with a fork.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

          Add the fluffed couscous to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Gently toss until everything is well combined.

            Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary and let the salad sit for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl and garnish with additional parsley and a few whole olives on top. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving for a glossy finish. Enjoy!