Mediterranean Couscous Salad 🌍🥗

This vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a delightful mix of fresh veggies, zesty dressing, and nutty couscous. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what's in your pantry!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 cup of couscous
• 1 ½ cups of vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cup of cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
• 1/3 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/3 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, chickpeas, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

🥄 Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and nutrition!

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

4. Once the couscous is slightly cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint before serving.

🧊 This salad can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together.

Variations

• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with vegan feta or avocado for creaminess.
• Grain-free: Substitute couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option while still providing great texture.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or feta-stuffed dolmas for extra protein and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the salad an unexpected heat.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Couscous Salad as a hearty main dish or a refreshing side! 🥙✨