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To make a delicious Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) These ingredients create a fresh and vibrant salad. Couscous serves as the base, soaking up all the flavors. The veggies add crunch, while the herbs bring brightness. Fresh herbs make this salad really pop. I suggest using: - Parsley - Mint These herbs not only add flavor but also give the salad a fresh look. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. Try adding basil or dill for a unique twist. Want to take it up a notch? Consider these optional add-ins: - Feta cheese for creaminess - Avocado for richness - Chickpeas for protein - Red pepper for a spicy kick These extras can change the salad’s taste and texture. Feel free to experiment and find what you love most. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To start, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of couscous and a pinch of salt. Stir it briefly, then cover the pot and take it off the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the couscous absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Set it aside to cool to room temperature. This step is key for a light and fluffy texture. In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Next, add in 1/2 cup of chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint. These fresh herbs make the salad bright and tasty. The colorful mix of veggies adds great crunch too. Ensure everything is well combined before moving on. For the dressing, take a small bowl and whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, the zest of 1 large lemon, and the juice from that lemon. Add salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Pour it over the salad mixture and toss gently. Lastly, fold in the cooled couscous and make sure everything is mixed well. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. It’s best to chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. To fluff couscous, start by cooking it right. Use the right water-to-couscous ratio. For every cup of couscous, use 1.25 cups of liquid. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add couscous. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for five minutes. After that, use a fork to fluff it gently. This will keep your couscous light and airy. To serve your salad beautifully, choose a large bowl or individual plates. Use a bright bowl to make the colors pop. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. This gives a fresh look. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch. Keep the salad chilled before serving to enhance flavors and freshness. To boost the flavor of your salad, consider adding more herbs. Fresh basil and dill make great choices. You can also toss in some feta cheese for creaminess. Another option is to add nuts or seeds for a crunch. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in this salad. Add bell peppers for crunch. Try adding radishes for a spicy kick. Grated carrots add sweetness and color. You can even toss in peas for a pop of green. Use what you love or what you have on hand. This salad is flexible and fun! Want to make this salad more filling? Add protein! Chickpeas are a great choice. They bring texture and a nutty flavor. You can also use grilled chicken for a savory touch. Shrimp adds a nice seafood flair. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu or tempeh. Each adds a unique taste and makes the dish more satisfying. This salad is already vegetarian and can easily be vegan. Just ensure the broth is plant-based. You can add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Sunflower seeds or almonds work well. For a creamy twist, add avocado slices. They bring richness without dairy. Enjoy this salad however you like. The possibilities are endless! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three days. If you notice any excess liquid, drain it off before sealing. This helps keep the couscous from getting soggy. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of couscous changes when frozen. When thawed, it can become mushy and lose its charm. If you want to prepare ahead, simply store leftovers in the fridge instead. This way, you can enjoy the fresh flavors. For the best storage, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Glass containers keep your salad fresh and are easy to clean. If you prefer plastic, pick BPA-free options. Always label your containers with the date. This helps you track how long your salad has been stored. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to 24 hours before serving. Just store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix and deepen. When you’re ready to serve, check the seasoning. You might want to add a little more lemon juice or olive oil. If you don't have couscous, try quinoa or rice. Both have a nice texture and will soak up flavors well. Quinoa is a great choice for extra protein. Rice, especially brown rice, adds a nice nutty taste. Adjust cooking times based on the grain you choose. This salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. After a few days, it may lose some freshness. Check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. For best taste, enjoy it within the first few days. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section above. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is fresh, tasty, and easy to make. We explored its main ingredients, helpful tips, and ways to customize it. You can make it your own with different herbs, proteins, or veggies. Remember to store leftovers in the right containers for freshness. With these steps, you’ll enjoy a bright dish that’s perfect for any meal. Try it today and let your taste buds shine!

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

Elevate your summer dining with this refreshing Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors from cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs, this salad is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Learn to create this delicious dish in just 45 minutes with our step-by-step instructions. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a zesty twist to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Once boiling, add the couscous and a pinch of salt. Stir, then cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

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

        In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.

          In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

            Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.

              Add the cooled couscous to the salad and mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

                Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve chilled in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.