Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta Cheese Recipe
Description
Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta Cheese is a refreshing and vibrant salad that showcases the popular North African grain, couscous. This dish brings together the delicate, nutty flavor of couscous with the crunch of fresh cucumbers, the sweetness of sultana raisins, and the saltiness of kalamata olives and feta cheese. The zesty touch of fresh coriander leaves and the rich flavor of extra virgin olive oil elevate this dish, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner or a standout dish at your next dinner party. Whether paired with pasta, pizza, or grilled meats, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Couscous | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cucumber | 1, diced |
| Sultana Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Kalamata Olives | 1/3 cup, chopped |
| Feta Cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 350mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Couscous:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and ½ teaspoon of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the couscous and stir to combine. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and allow the couscous to absorb the water and fluff up. This process should take about 5 minutes. After the water has been absorbed, fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside to cool. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing or salad bowl, add the diced cucumber, sultana raisins, and chopped kalamata olives. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. -
Combine the Couscous:
Once the couscous has cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl with the other salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the couscous is evenly mixed with the cucumber, raisins, and olives. -
Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate the Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta Cheese for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, making it even more refreshing. -
Add the Finishing Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves and crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Toss gently again to distribute the feta and herbs evenly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta Cheese chilled, as a delightful side dish or a light, wholesome main course.
Serving Suggestions
This Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a light and balanced meal. It also works wonderfully as a side to your favorite Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing snack or part of a larger spread, this salad is sure to become a go-to recipe for many occasions.
