Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

$To make a delicious Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Couscous acts as the base of this salad. It’s light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up flavors. Vegetable broth adds depth and a savory touch. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper bring crunch and color. Red onion adds a little zing, while parsley and mint offer freshness. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Olive oil ties all the flavors together, while salt and pepper enhance every bite. This mix creates a vibrant and tasty salad that shines on its own or as a side. Enjoy gathering these ingredients and feel the excitement building for your fresh, flavorful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boiling the vegetable broth: Start by pouring 1 and 1/4 cups of vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Heat it on the stove until it boils. This broth adds great flavor to the couscous. 2. Adding and letting couscous absorb liquid: Once the broth boils, take it off the heat. Quickly add 1 cup of couscous and stir it well. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step allows the couscous to soak up the liquid, making it fluffy. 3. Fluffing and cooling the couscous: After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous gently. This helps to separate the grains. Spread it out on a plate to cool to room temperature. 1. Mixing vegetables and herbs: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled couscous. Toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 diced bell pepper. Don’t forget to add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint. These ingredients bring freshness to the salad. 2. Preparing the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 1 lemon, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds zing and ties all the flavors together. 1. Combining salad and dressing: Pour the lemon dressing over the couscous mixture. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are coated in the dressing. Make sure it’s mixed well so every bite bursts with flavor. 2. Recommended marinating time for enhanced flavor: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful lemon herb couscous salad! Choosing fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients make this salad pop. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes, firm cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers. The herbs, parsley and mint, should smell strong and bright. Fresh lemon zest gives a zesty kick to the dish. Always choose organic if you can. It makes a big difference in taste. Perfecting the lemon dressing The lemon dressing is key. Use the zest and juice from a fresh lemon. This gives a bright flavor. Mix the zest and juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it combines well. Taste the dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Let this dressing sit for a few minutes before using it. This allows the flavors to deepen. Pairing options with the couscous salad This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pita bread and hummus. For a vegetarian twist, add chickpeas for extra protein. Each option complements the freshness of the salad. Presentation tips for a colorful dish Make your dish eye-catching. Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colors. Layer the salad and dressing, then gently toss before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon slices for a fresh look. This adds a pop of color and makes it inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint will elevate the flavor of your salad. If possible, use herbs straight from the garden for the best taste. Chill Before Serving: For an even more refreshing salad, chill the couscous salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Adjust Lemon to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can add more lemon juice or zest for a tangier flavor. Always taste before serving! Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add in other ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, or nuts for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily boost this salad by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Grilled or roasted chicken adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. Simply chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the salad. If you prefer a plant-based option, try chickpeas. They are rich in protein and fiber. Just rinse and drain a can of chickpeas. Then, fold them into the salad for a hearty twist. To change the flavor, try different dressings or spices. A honey mustard dressing can add a nice sweetness. Or, mix in some garlic powder for an extra kick. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors! You can also swap out seasonal vegetables. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In the fall, diced butternut squash works well. Use what you find fresh at your local market for the best taste. To keep your lemon herb couscous salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This will lock in the flavors and keep it safe from bacteria. Make sure the salad cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent condensation that can make the salad soggy. This salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The fresh veggies and herbs lose texture and flavor when frozen. If you must freeze it, leave out the fresh herbs. You can add them back after thawing. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Couscous is a tiny pasta made from durum wheat. It comes in several types: - Regular couscous: The most common type; fluffy and light. - Whole wheat couscous: A healthier option with more fiber. - Israeli couscous: Larger and chewier, also called pearl couscous. Couscous cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. It is a great base for salads, like my lemon herb couscous salad. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead! I suggest making it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just remember to add a splash of olive oil before serving to freshen it up. This salad stays tasty for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Traditional couscous contains gluten, so it's not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free couscous made from rice or corn. This way, you can enjoy a similar taste and texture without gluten. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. Enjoy your salad with peace of mind! This blog post covered a tasty couscous salad, filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. I shared steps to prepare it and tips to boost flavor. You can easily mix in proteins or try new dressings. Remember to store it right to enjoy later. This salad is perfect for any meal or occasion. I hope you feel excited to make this bright and healthy dish. Enjoy the fresh tastes and create your own variations!$

Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad with couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1.25 cups vegetable broth
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup cucumber, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup bell pepper, diced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 unit zest of lemon
1 unit juice of lemon
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Once boiling, remove from heat and add the couscous. Stir quickly, then cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the lemon dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently until everything is well combined and coated.
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Keyword couscous, herb, lemon, salad, vegetarian