Fall in love with this Cold Couscous Salad! Made with Mediterranean flavors, a light lemon dressing, and pearl couscous, this couscous salad the ultimate crave worthy side dish.
![Mediterranean Couscous Cold Couscous Salad made with olives, tomatoes, and feta.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Recipe-Couscous-Salad.jpg)
When it comes to flavorful pasta salads, you may think of Antipasto Pasta Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, or an Asian Noodle Salad. But don't forget about couscous!
Couscous is actually a type of pasta, making it a perfect base for pasta salad. And my favorite version of a cold couscous salad is this recipe for Mediterranean Couscous Salad.
Reasons to Love this Couscous Salad
- Easy Recipe. Couscous is a form of pasta that cooks up super fast, making it a quick and easy option for a hearty pasta salad.
- Flavorful Hearty Salad. Bursting with a bright dressing, olives, tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, and feta, this Mediterranean salad is insanely delicious.
- Versatile. Whether served at a potluck alongside BBQ Chicken Breasts and Burgers, as a hearty vegetarian lunch, or as a side dish for Chicken Gyros or Greek Chicken, you can't go wrong with this Greek-inspired Couscous Salad.
- Adaptable. Mix and match the additions to suit your tastebuds to create a Couscous Salad perfect for YOU!
Couscous Salad Ingredients
![Easy Couscous Salad Recipe Ingredients for couscous salad labeled on counter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Easy-Couscous-Salad-Recipe.jpg)
- Couscous: You can find couscous typically with pasta and rice at the grocery store. It can be labeled Israeli couscous or pearl couscous.
- Vegetable Broth: Instead of cooking the pasta in water, I recommend using low-sodium vegetable broth which will help flavor the couscous. If you have chicken stock on hand instead of vegetable broth, that works too, just keep in mind the salad will no longer be vegetarian-friendly.
- Dressing for Couscous Salad: The dressing is a simple mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. It is vibrant, light, and works with the robust toppings to create a delicious pasta salad.
- Toppings: To give this couscous salad a Mediterranean flavor, I recommend adding grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, red onions, cucumber, fresh mint, fresh parsley, and feta cheese all make great additions to this simple salad. Feel free to mix and match the toppings as desired.
How to Make Couscous Salad
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Cook Couscous in Vegetable Broth
I recommend using vegetable broth or chicken stock to cook the couscous, as it will help to add flavor to an otherwise dull pasta. And because couscous is such a small pasta, it cooks extremely fast. It is best to follow the directions on your box of couscous, but most brands simply require you to stir the couscous into boiling liquid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare Lemon Dressing
To prepare the dressing, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk, to emulsify and thicken the dressing.
![Couscous salad Olive Oil being emulsified into dressing for greek salad.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mediterranean-Couscous-Salad-Dressing.jpg)
Dress Couscous
Once the couscous is fully cooked and cooled to room temperature, add the lemon dressing, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, peppers, and gently stir to distribute among the salad.
![Couscous Salad Recipe Cold Couscous Salad in large mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Couscous-Salad-Recipe.jpg)
Chill Couscous Salad
In order for the couscous to absorb the flavors of the dressing and the additions, it is best to cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Finish with Flavor
It is best to add the fresh herbs and feta right before serving. That way the herbs will stay fresh and vibrant and feta will not become soggy.
![Couscous Salad with Feta Bowl of cold couscous salad with added feta, mint, and parsley.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Couscous-Salad-with-Feta.jpg)
More Hearty Picnic-Worthy Salad Recipes
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Greek Quinoa Salad
- Italian Potato Salad
- Classic Potato Salad
- Easy Creamy Coleslaw
If you enjoyed this recipe for Mediterranean Couscous Salad, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
![Cold Couscous Salad made with olives, tomatoes, and feta.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cold-couscous-salad-360x360.jpg)
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ounces couscous
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup English cucumber diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- ½ cup kalamata olives sliced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers thinly sliced
- ½ cup bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely minced
- ¼ cup crumbled Feta Cheese optional
For the Lemon Dressing
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rapid boil. Once boiling, stir the couscous into the boiling broth and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and fluffy. Let cool to room temperature.
- While the couscous is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes together. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until a thickened dressing forms.
- Once the couscous is cooled, add the lemon dressing, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, peppers, and gently stir to distribute among the salad. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Transfer the couscous mixture to a storage container and cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to cool.
- When ready to serve, fluff with a fork, add the feta, parsley, and mint and toss to combine.
Jona
My kids loved the feta cheese, and the olives added a nice flavor. The fresh veggies and tangy lemon dressing made it so refreshing.
Kristen Chidsey
I love the feta myself! Thanks for sharing a review, Jona! I love hearing you all enjoyed the salad.
Shalene
Craving satisfied! Can't get enough of this couscous salad. Saving this version!
Nancy
I loved it, especially with the salty feta cheese. It was perfect on a hot evening with bbq.
Kristen Chidsey
Love hearing this, Nancy! Thank you for sharing!
Allyson Zea
This is one of our favorite side dishes! YUM!
Erin
I love the flavors here, such a great summer side dish!
Erin
There really is nothing complicated about this recipe. It was easy to make and the flavors were wonderful! thanks! Nice and light summer meal.
Nellie Tracy
This recipe has such a beautiful result! Love this recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! Thanks for sharing your success Nellie!
Noelle
This is an amazing recipe, thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Noelle! Thank you!
Christina | Christina's Cucina
I've had couscous once or twice, but it didn't appeal to me. I think I should give it another try as your recipe looks and sounds delicious! I like the sound of the roasted tomatoes, veg and parmesan in it, too! Thanks for the inspiration!
Kristen Chidsey
Christina, I hope you do try--this has so much flavor!
Julie | Small Green Kitchen
I love the larger couscous. I think it's so much better than the smaller couscous. This dish looks wonderful, Kristen! Two thumbs up for using roasted tomatoes in the recipe! <3
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Julie. I agree, larger couscous does not turn to mush!
Rachel @ athletic avocado
i love couscous because its quick, easy, and filling! this looks like a tasty way to enjoy it š
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Rachel!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Love these flavors! I would love to have this for lunches!
Kristen Chidsey
You need to make it! It is easy and tastes AMAZING!!
Katie B.
I love pearl couscous, too. It's definitely a comfort food! Like you, I've been making lunches that I've been missing all summer because my son doesn't enjoy them. This looks like one I should try!
Kristen Chidsey
So funny! Glad I am not the only one who like to eat my OWN food while kids are away š
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
What a beautiful dish Kristen! Love the roasted grape tomatoes and white beans. Couscous is quick and delicious. Now that my kids are in school to, maybe I need to be thinking outside the box about lunch!
Kristen Chidsey
Totally time to start thinking outside the lunch box! I have some of my best lunches with exotic flare when I am home alone