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To make a great Mediterranean Couscous Salad, you need these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste This combination brings bright flavors and textures to your dish. The couscous is light, while the veggies add crunch. The feta gives a creamy touch, and the olives add a briny taste. You can boost the flavor with these optional ingredients: - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1/4 cup chickpeas for protein - A splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness These options let you customize the salad. Try different herbs like oregano or dill for a new twist. You can mix and match according to your taste. A serving of Mediterranean Couscous Salad has about: - Calories: 300 - Carbohydrates: 40g - Protein: 9g - Fat: 12g This salad is healthy and filling. It provides essential nutrients while being light on the stomach. Enjoy it as a meal or a side dish. Explore the Full Recipe for more details on preparation and serving suggestions. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. When it bubbles, remove the pan from heat. Add 1 cup of couscous, stirring gently. Cover the pan and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the couscous soak up the broth. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature while you prep the veggies. Next, take your cooled couscous and place it in a large bowl. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Then, toss in the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Don't forget the fresh parsley and mint! These herbs add a burst of flavor. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are combined. You want each bite to be tasty and colorful. Now, it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing brightens the salad. Drizzle it over the couscous mixture. Toss everything again to coat evenly. For the best taste, you can serve it right away or chill it for 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. To cook couscous well, use the right ratio of liquid. I recommend 1 cup of couscous to 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the broth to a boil first. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the couscous. Stir it in and cover the pot. Let it sit for five minutes to absorb the liquid. After that, fluff it with a fork. This step makes the couscous light and airy. Chilling your salad helps the flavors meld. After mixing in the dressing, let it chill for 30 minutes. This waiting time enhances the taste. If you plan to serve it later, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready. When serving, taste it again. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. A beautiful salad makes any meal special. For a lovely presentation, serve your salad in a large platter. Layer it neatly and sprinkle extra parsley on top. You can also add lemon wedges for a pop of color. If you want individual servings, use small bowls. This adds a nice touch for gatherings. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. To keep it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth and skip the feta cheese. For a vegan version, replace feta with avocado or a vegan cheese. Both options keep the salad creamy and fresh. Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. If you have allergies, this salad is flexible. Instead of couscous, try quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. If olives are not your thing, you can leave them out or swap them for capers. Not a fan of dairy? Use a nut-based cheese or skip it altogether. These changes will still keep the dish tasty. Change the ingredients with the seasons! In the summer, add fresh corn or ripe peaches. In the fall, roasted butternut squash adds warmth. For winter, try using pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and taste. Each season brings unique flavors to this delicious salad. You can find a full recipe to inspire your culinary adventures. Store your leftover salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can put it in the fridge right after eating. Make sure it cools down first. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. However, freezing may change the texture of some ingredients. The salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. After this time, the veggies may start to get soggy. If you see any signs of spoilage, throw it away for safety. If you freeze it, you can keep it for about a month. Just remember, the flavor will still be good, but the texture may change. You can serve the salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pot. Add a splash of olive oil or broth to keep it moist. Stir well and heat for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat it, or the flavors will fade. If you want to refresh the salad, add some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Couscous Salad section. You can use quinoa, bulgur, or rice. Each option gives a different taste and texture. Quinoa is a great choice for a protein boost. Bulgur cooks quickly and has a nutty flavor. Rice, especially brown rice, adds a chewy bite. Choose what you like best. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. After a day, the flavors meld together, making it even tastier. Just remember to stir it before serving. Yes, you can make the salad a day in advance. Just prepare it and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix well. Before serving, stir it lightly to refresh the ingredients. It's a great option for meal prep or parties. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Couscous Salad section above. This blog post shared great tips for making Mediterranean Couscous Salad. We explored essential ingredients and optional flavors to enhance your dish. Step-by-step, I guided you in preparation and serving ideas. Plus, I included storage tips and variations for different diets. As you try this salad, remember to be creative. Enjoy the fresh tastes and make it your own. With these ideas, you can impress anyone at your next meal!

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean couscous salad with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, it's a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a light lunch, this salad will impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delightful Mediterranean couscous salad today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

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, stirring to combine. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

      After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

        While the couscous cools, prep your vegetables: chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.

          In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.

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

              Drizzle the dressing over the couscous salad, mixing everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.

                Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad on a large platter or individual bowls, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.