Greek Couscous Salad
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Greek Couscous Salad. This vibrant and flavor-packed dish has become a staple in households around the world, thanks to its unbeatable combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and effortless preparation.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, packing a picnic, or looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, this Greek Couscous Salad is sure to delight your taste buds and leave your guests in awe.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
The beauty of this Greek Couscous Salad lies in its versatility and the way it seamlessly blends the bold, tangy flavors of the Mediterranean with the light, fluffy texture of couscous. The combination of crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a zesty dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to be a complete meal on its own or a delightful side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Plus, with its make-ahead capabilities and the fact that it only gets better with time, this Greek Couscous Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing, stress-free recipe.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Greek Couscous Salad ❓
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Greek Couscous Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of couscous, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made Greek-style salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Greek Couscous Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Greek Couscous Salad.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Greek salads that can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this Greek Couscous Salad saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 416mg
These Greek Couscous Salad provide approximately 15% of your daily fiber requirements and 18% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower or broccoli florets for a portion of the couscous to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts for a dairy-free option.
• Added protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or edamame for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add more diced bell peppers, zucchini, or olives to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Greek Couscous Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Offer as a side dish to complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean-inspired entrees.
• Complement the salad with a refreshing cucumber-dill tzatziki sauce or a light lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
• For a picnic or potluck, serve the Greek Couscous Salad in individual portions or on a large platter, garnished with additional herbs and lemon wedges.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the dressing: The dressing is essential for providing the signature Mediterranean flavors, so be sure to use the full amount and toss the salad thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
• Not chilling the salad: Letting the Greek Couscous Salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become more cohesive. Don’t skip this important step.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Greek Couscous Salad retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: The salad can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the salad to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If the salad has been refrigerated or frozen, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Greek Couscous Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually improves in flavor the longer it sits. You can prepare it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will have time to meld, and the salad will be even more delicious when you’re ready to serve it.
Can I substitute other grains for the couscous?
Yes, you can use a variety of grains in this recipe. Try substituting quinoa, bulgur, or even pearl barley for the couscous. Each will give the salad a slightly different texture and flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is this recipe gluten-free or vegetarian?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the couscous with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice. For a vegetarian version, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts instead.
What if I don’t like one of the herbs in the salad?
You can easily adjust the herbs to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to use more of one herb and less of another, or even substitute with different fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill. The key is to maintain the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
Can I add additional vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! This Greek Couscous Salad is incredibly versatile. You can add diced bell peppers, sliced olives, shredded carrots, or even grilled zucchini or eggplant. Just be sure to adjust the dressing proportions to ensure the salad doesn’t become too wet.
Conclusion
These Greek Couscous Salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing side dish or a complete and satisfying meal, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, bold Mediterranean flavors, and delightful textures.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Greek Couscous Salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.
So, gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor the taste of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Greek Couscous Salad. It’s sure to become a new summertime staple in your household.
Print
Greek Couscous Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 cup uncooked couscous
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Greek Couscous Salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Greek Couscous Salad
