Couscous Salad Recipe
Description:
This delightful Couscous Salad recipe originated from one of Mr. Food’s cookbooks, but with a few tweaks to suit my family’s palate, it has become one of our cherished favorites. It’s a refreshing dish with a burst of flavors, perfect for any occasion, and it even gets better with a bit of chill time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chill time)
- Recipe Category: Quick & Easy (< 30 Minutes)
- Keywords: Stove Top, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 249.2
- Fat Content: 10.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 13.4mg
- Sodium Content: 467.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.9g
- Sugar Content: 2.5g
- Protein Content: 7.6g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup couscous
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
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Boil Broth: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
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Add Couscous: Stir in the couscous, then cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat. Let the couscous stand, covered, for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the broth and cook.
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Fluff and Cool: After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous lightly with a fork. Then transfer it to a large mixing bowl, spreading it out to cool down.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the couscous has cooled down to room temperature, add in the diced tomatoes, zucchinis, chopped basil, sliced green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the couscous salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
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Add Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chilled couscous salad and give it a final gentle toss to incorporate the cheese throughout the salad.
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Serve: Transfer the Couscous Salad to a serving dish or individual plates, and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish with your family and friends!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Couscous Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
- Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal experience.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or lemon wedges for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips:
- For added crunch and texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds before chilling the salad.
- Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as diced cucumber, bell peppers, or olives.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
This Couscous Salad recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful taste of this salad that will surely impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more! 🥗✨