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To make a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you need these key ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) These ingredients come together to create a flavorful dish that is fresh and bright. Want to enhance this salad even more? Here are some optional ingredients you can use: - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 avocado, diced - A handful of olives, sliced - A pinch of chili flakes for heat These additions can bring new flavors and textures to your salad. If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are simple substitutions you can use: - Use quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten-free option. - Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for added flavor. - Try different herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley and mint. - Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a citrus twist. These swaps allow you to customize the salad to suit your taste and what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth in a medium pot. Once it boils, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of couscous, making sure it’s fully covered. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the couscous absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous. This step makes it light and fluffy. Let it cool for a bit so it won’t warm up the veggies. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Toss these together gently. This mix adds color and crunch to your salad. You can also add 1 cup of fresh parsley and 1/2 cup of fresh mint later. These herbs make the dish fragrant and fresh. Now it’s time to combine everything. Fold the cooled couscous into the vegetable mix. Make sure all the flavors blend well. Next, grab a small bowl. Squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon into it. Add its zest, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk this dressing until it’s smooth. Drizzle it over the salad and toss it gently. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top for a tasty finish. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! To fluff your couscous just right, follow these steps. After cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to absorb all the liquid. Then, grab a fork and gently fluff it. Use the fork to separate any clumps. This method keeps the couscous light and airy. Using fresh veggies makes your salad vibrant and tasty. Always choose firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. They add texture and flavor. Wash them well before cutting. For the red onion, chop it finely. This helps spread the flavor evenly. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint should be bright and fragrant. Chop them just before adding to keep them fresh. Presentation matters in any dish. Serve your salad in a large, colorful bowl. This makes it eye-catching. For a nice touch, add sprigs of fresh herbs on top. Lemon wedges around the bowl add a pop of color. This not only looks great but also gives a hint of flavor when served. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint elevate the flavor of the salad; don’t substitute with dried herbs for the best taste. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and color. Perfect Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to zest the lemon for a finer texture and more intense flavor in your dressing. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp makes it heartier. You can also use chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option. Simply toss in about one cup of cooked protein. This change adds flavor and keeps you full longer. Feel free to play with the herbs in this salad. Basil or cilantro can add a new twist. Dill gives a fresh, bright taste that pairs well with lemon. You might also try using lemon balm for a unique flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite combinations. Adapt this salad to the seasons by changing the veggies. In summer, add sweet corn or bell peppers for color. In fall, try roasted squash or apples for a warm touch. Use whatever is fresh and in season to keep the dish vibrant and flavorful. This way, you enjoy the best ingredients all year round. After enjoying Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you may have some leftovers. It's important to store them well to keep the flavors fresh. First, let the salad cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and prevents the salad from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For the best storage, use glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. Glass is great because it doesn't stain and is easy to clean. Choose a container that fits the amount of salad you have. If you have a large batch, use a bigger container. If you have smaller servings, divide them into smaller containers. This way, you can grab a portion easily. Freezing Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is not the best option. The fresh veggies and herbs may lose their crunch and flavor when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, leave out the fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumber. Cooked couscous can freeze well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just remember to use it within three months for the best taste. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh veggies before serving. Yes, you can make Lemon Herb Couscous Salad ahead of time. It tastes great after sitting for a few hours. You can prepare it in the morning for lunch or dinner. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. This salad can last up to three days. The flavors will blend nicely as it chills. You can serve this salad with many dishes. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also pair it with kebabs or wraps. For a lighter option, serve it with a soup. The fresh flavors of the salad brighten up any meal. No, this salad is not gluten-free. Couscous is made from wheat, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, use quinoa or rice instead. Both will give you a similar texture and flavor. You can still enjoy a tasty salad without gluten! You learned how to create a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. We covered main and optional ingredients for great flavor. You now know step-by-step how to prepare and mix it perfectly. Plus, I shared useful tips for serving and storing. This salad is flexible, so feel free to add protein or fresh herbs. Enjoy making this dish, and don't forget to share your favorite variations!

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad made with couscous, fresh vegetables, and herbs, dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1.25 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 whole large lemon, zest and juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing the vegetable broth (or water) to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. As soon as it reaches a rolling boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the couscous, ensuring that it is fully submerged. Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb all the liquid and expand.
  • Once the couscous has rested, use a fork to fluff it gently, separating any clumps. Let the couscous cool for a few minutes so it doesn't warm the fresh vegetables.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Toss these ingredients lightly to combine.
  • Gently fold the fluffy, cooled couscous into the vegetable mixture, ensuring a consistent distribution of flavors.
  • Add the finely chopped parsley and mint to the bowl, mixing thoroughly to weave the fresh herbs into the salad.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the couscous salad and gently toss to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
  • If desired, add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large, vibrant salad bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an eye-catching finish.
Keyword couscous, healthy, salad, vegetarian