Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is a breeze to prepare? Look no further! This Couscous Vegetable Salad is your ticket to a delightful culinary escape to the Middle East. With its colorful mix of fresh vegetables and fluffy couscous, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish for gatherings, it takes just 15 minutes to whip up. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g couscous
- 250ml boiling water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Start by measuring out 200g of couscous and placing it in a large mixing bowl.
- Boil 250ml of water in a kettle or saucepan. Once boiling, carefully pour the hot water over the couscous in the mixing bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the couscous sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the water and become fluffy.
- While the couscous is resting, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 bell pepper and 1 cucumber into small, even pieces. Halve 100g of cherry tomatoes.
- After 5 minutes, uncover the couscous and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add the diced bell pepper, cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes to the couscous, mixing gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the couscous and vegetable mixture, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Finally, chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve the couscous vegetable salad immediately or refrigerate it for a short time to serve chilled. Enjoy your Middle Eastern-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and extra virgin olive oil. This makes a noticeable difference in your salad’s taste.
- Fluff the Couscous Properly: After letting the couscous sit, use a fork to fluff it gently. This helps to separate the grains and prevent clumping, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like diced carrots, radishes, or even avocado for an extra creamy texture.
- Let it Chill: For even better flavor, prepare the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, consider adding some chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese for a protein boost.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can elevate the dish further, adding aromatic notes that complement the lemon and olive oil dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
