Couscous Salad Recipe

Couscous salad is a light, flavorful dish made with couscous, a type of small, steamed semolina pasta. The salad typically features a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and often a tangy dressing. It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and light meals.

Here’s a simple Couscous Salad recipe that you can make:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the couscous:
   • Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl.
   • Pour boiling water or broth over the couscous, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid.
   • Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
   • While the couscous is resting, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Make the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the ingredients:
   • Add the diced vegetables, parsley, and mint (if using) to the couscous.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
5. Add the feta:
   • Fold in the crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty flavor (optional).
6. Chill and serve:
   • You can serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Enjoy this light and refreshing couscous salad as a side dish or a main course!