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- 1 cup couscous - 1 and 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste You can swap couscous for other grains like quinoa or bulgur. For a dairy-free option, leave out the feta or use a nut-based cheese. Seasonal ingredients can add fun flavors. Try adding bell peppers in summer or roasted squash in fall. When picking tomatoes, look for ones that are bright and firm, with no soft spots. For herbs, choose vibrant green parsley and mint, avoiding any yellow or brown leaves. When selecting feta cheese, go for a creamy texture. It should crumble easily and have a fresh smell. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. This step adds flavor to the couscous. 2. Once the broth boils, take it off the heat. Stir in the couscous and cover it. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This lets the couscous soak up the broth. 3. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature. 1. For the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half. This makes them easy to mix in. 2. Dice the cucumber into small pieces. This adds crunch and freshness to the salad. 3. Finely chop the red onion. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. 4. For the parsley and mint, stack the leaves, roll them, and then chop finely. This keeps the herbs from wilting. 1. In a large bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This is your dressing. 3. Add the cooled couscous to the large bowl with the veggies and herbs. 4. Pour the dressing over the couscous and mix gently. This ensures every bite is flavorful. 5. Taste the salad. Add more salt or pepper if needed. 6. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and taste even better. Resting the salad is key. It allows all the flavors to blend nicely. I recommend letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step makes a big difference in taste. Don't forget to adjust seasoning to your liking. After mixing, taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. For garnishing, sprinkle extra feta cheese on top. A sprig of fresh mint adds a nice touch too. Serve the couscous salad in a large glass bowl. This way, the bright colors will shine and catch everyone's eye. If your couscous turns out mushy, try adding more veggies. This helps balance the texture. You can also chill it before serving to make it firmer. If your dressing is too salty, add a bit of lemon juice or a splash of water. This will help tone down the saltiness while keeping it flavorful. Pro Tips Fresh Herbs are Key: Use fresh parsley and mint for the best flavor. Dried herbs lack the vibrant taste that fresh herbs provide. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after mixing. This enhances the flavors and makes the salad more refreshing. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and flavor. Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. {{image_2}} You can make your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad more filling by adding proteins. Chicken works great here. Just grill or roast it, then chop it into small pieces. Toss it in with the salad for a hearty meal. If you prefer plant-based options, add chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. Simply rinse canned chickpeas and mix them in. For seafood lovers, shrimp or scallops can elevate the dish. Cook them quickly in a pan with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice. Let them cool before adding to the salad. This gives a fresh twist to your couscous. To boost the flavor profile, try using flavored olive oils. Garlic or herb-infused oils can add depth. Just replace regular olive oil with your favorite flavored option. Another fun way to enhance taste is to add citrus zest beyond just lemon. Lime or orange zest can bring a new layer of brightness. A small amount goes a long way, so start with a little and adjust to your liking. You can also change your salad based on the season. In summer, try adding fresh corn or bell peppers. They add sweetness and crunch. Just chop them up and toss them in for a vibrant look. For fall, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes or apples. They pair well with the lemon and herbs, giving a warm feel to the dish. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! To keep your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the salad crisp. Place the container in the fridge right away for the best result. If you have extra space, you can also use glass containers. They keep the salad fresh and let you see the colors. This salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the salad smells sour or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it. You may also notice the vegetables losing their crunch. Freshness is key for the best flavor. Reheating couscous salad may change its texture. For best results, use the microwave on a low setting. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir gently to avoid mushiness. If you prefer, you can also serve it cold. The flavors blend well and taste great even when chilled. Couscous is made from semolina, a type of wheat. It comes from North Africa, where it is a staple food. The semolina is rolled into tiny granules and steamed. These granules cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Couscous is light and fluffy when prepared right. You can enjoy it plain or mix it with other ingredients, like in this salad. Couscous is not gluten-free because it is made from wheat. People who have gluten sensitivity should avoid it. Instead, they can try gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice. These options work well in salads and have a similar texture. Always check labels if you buy pre-made couscous, as some brands may mix grains. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! Prepare it a few hours in advance for the best taste. This allows the flavors to mix well. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. If you make it the night before, the salad will still taste great. Just remember to add fresh herbs right before serving for the best flavor. This article gave you the building blocks to create a delicious couscous salad. We covered essential ingredients and smart substitutions, plus tips for choosing fresh produce. I shared simple steps for cooking and mixing your salad, along with tricks to enhance flavors and present it well. Don't forget about storing leftovers properly for later enjoying. With these insights, you can customize your salad to fit any season or taste. Enjoy making your salad!

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and herbs, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
  • Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the broth.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the cooled couscous to the large bowl with the vegetables and herbs.
  • Pour the lemon dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • For best flavor, let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Keyword couscous, healthy, salad, vegetarian