Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s not only quick to make but also packed with flavor? Dive into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our delightful Couscous Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a colorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a stunning side dish for your next dinner party. This salad combines the fluffy texture of couscous with the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and the crispness of cucumbers, all brought together with a zesty vinaigrette. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once water reaches a rolling boil, remove from heat and stir in the couscous.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the couscous sit for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the water completely.
- After the couscous has absorbed the water, use a fork to fluff the grains and separate them, preventing clumping.
- Transfer the fluffed couscous to a large mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature for about 5-10 minutes.
- While the couscous is cooling, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into small, uniform pieces.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley, ensuring the leaves are clean and dry before cutting.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley to the cooled couscous.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Organic options are often more flavorful and vibrant.
- Fluffing Couscous: After letting the couscous sit, be gentle while fluffing it with a fork to keep the grains light and airy.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, or even some crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you want to switch things up, try adding fresh mint or dill instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
- Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just add the vinaigrette right before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes for a festive spread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
