Imagine a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate - a refreshing, vibrant salad that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This Lemon Cucumber Couscous Salad is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a stunning side dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Couscous
- Lemon juice
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add 1 cup of couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until water is absorbed.
- While the couscous is resting, finely dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Chop fresh parsley leaves and add them to the couscous mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Couscous Perfection: Use hot water and let it steam covered to achieve fluffy, light couscous grains. Always fluff with a fork to prevent clumping.
- Freshness Matters: Choose crisp cucumbers and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Dice them uniformly for a beautiful presentation.
- Herb Hack: Use freshly chopped parsley for maximum flavor. If possible, use flat-leaf (Italian) parsley for a more robust taste.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a well-emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
- Chill Factor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
- Customization: Feel free to add feta cheese, olives, or grilled chicken to make this salad a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
