Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad

$Here’s what you need to make a tasty Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste If you don’t have something, here are some great swaps: - Couscous: Use quinoa or bulgur for a different grain. - Feta cheese: Try goat cheese or even a vegan alternative. - Kalamata olives: Green olives work well too. - Vegetable broth: Use chicken broth for more flavor, if you like. - Fresh parsley: Mint or basil can give a nice twist. This salad is not only fresh but also packed with nutrients. Here's a quick look: - Calories: About 290 per serving. - Protein: 9 grams, thanks to the feta and couscous. - Fiber: 4 grams, which is great for digestion. - Fat: 15 grams, mainly from olive oil and olives, which are healthy fats. - Vitamins: You'll get a good dose of vitamins A and C from the veggies. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for more details! To make this Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad, gather your ingredients first. You need couscous, broth or water, and fresh veggies. Feta cheese and olives add flavor. This process is quick and easy, taking about 20 minutes in total. 1. Start by boiling the vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. 2. Once it boils, take it off the heat. Stir in the couscous. 3. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes. The couscous will absorb the liquid. 4. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature. 5. In a large bowl, mix halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, and red onion. 6. Add the cooled couscous to the bowl with the veggies. 7. Toss in crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives. 8. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to mix. 9. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the chopped parsley. 10. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend. To fluff couscous well, use a fork instead of a spoon. A fork keeps the grains separate. Make sure to let it cool before mixing it with other ingredients. This step prevents the salad from becoming mushy. If you want a lighter texture, add a bit more olive oil when fluffing. Enjoy your fresh salad! You can find the Full Recipe in the article. To keep your salad fresh, use ripe veggies. Choose bright, firm cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. Always wash your produce well. Cut your veggies right before mixing. This helps them stay crunchy. If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. Enjoy it within two days for the best taste. You can serve this salad cold or at room temperature. Use a large bowl for a family meal. For a picnic, pack the salad in individual containers. Add some lemon wedges for extra flavor on the side. If you want a heartier dish, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp. Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled fish for a light meal. It also goes great with a meat dish, like lamb or beef kebabs. For a vegetarian option, serve it with stuffed peppers or falafel. You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe link. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your couscous salad. Chicken is a great choice. Grilled or roasted chicken adds flavor and heartiness. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. You can also use chickpeas. They are tasty and plant-based. Just drain a can of chickpeas and rinse them before adding. This boosts nutrition and keeps you full longer. If you want vegetarian options, consider avocado or sunflower seeds. Avocados add creaminess and good fats. Slice them right before serving to keep them fresh. Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. They also pack a nutrient punch. Toss in a handful for extra texture. Both options make your salad more vibrant and fulfilling. Spices and herbs can enhance your salad's taste. Try adding cumin or smoked paprika for a warm flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh herbs like basil or dill work great too. They boost freshness and aroma. Feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect flavor combo. For more detailed ideas, refer to the Full Recipe. To keep your Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors intact. Place it in the fridge right after you make it. The cool air will slow down spoilage. If you have leftovers, use them within three days for the best taste. Freezing this salad is not the best idea. The texture of the couscous and veggies can change. If you must freeze it, separate the salad into single servings. Use freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This can prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge before serving. When stored properly in the fridge, this salad lasts about three days. After that, the veggies can get soggy, and the flavors fade. If you see any changes in color or smell, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your salad fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can make the salad a day ahead. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just store it in the fridge. Keep the salad covered in an airtight container. If you don’t have feta, try using goat cheese or ricotta. Both add creaminess and flavor. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. No, this recipe is not gluten-free. Couscous is made from wheat. If you're gluten-free, use quinoa or rice instead. They work well in this salad. To keep the salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Make sure to keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving. This helps keep the salad crisp and tasty. For the full recipe, check the details above. This blog post covered all you need to make a great couscous salad. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for serving. You can adjust the recipe for your taste and even store it easily. Remember, couscous is versatile and can match many meals. Enjoy your cooking and get creative with flavors! Your salad will shine on any table.$

Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Looking for a refreshing dish? Try this Quick Mediterranean Couscous Salad that's perfect for any occasion! With vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta, it’s bursting with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a healthy meal that serves four. Perfect for lunch or a side dish!

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Ingredients

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

Fluff the couscous with a fork, then let it cool to room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.

Add the cooled couscous to the vegetable mixture, along with the crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives.

Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then fold in the chopped parsley.

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving, to let the flavors meld together.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 20 mins | Serves 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top and a few olives scattered around. Add lemon wedges on the side for a fresh touch.