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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Dinner ยป Sides

    Simple Couscous Salad

    Published: Jun 1, 2023 ยท Updated: May 4, 2024 by Neil 24 Comments

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    This simple couscous salad is a delicious and easy to make salad that's perfect as a quick healthy meal or as an accompaniment to any dinner!

    Overhead view of a large glass bowl with simple couscous salad and a serving spoon in. Tomatoes, a lemon and a dish of chopped coriander above as decoration.

    If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish that's just bursting with flavour then look no further than this simple couscous salad.

    I've based this easy couscous salad on the many Mediterranean couscous salad recipes that I've been lucky enough to enjoy on holidays over the years.

    Using just a few ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

    There's no cooking required and it only takes 20 minutes to make.

    You'll find this a perfect side dish but also an excellent healthy lunch or evening meal option.

    At this time of year I like to try and spend as much time in the garden as possible and so salad's like this and my quick quinoa salad are the ideal quick-to-make accompaniments for a bbq.

    Whenever you choose to have it, this couscous salad is sure to impress!

    Simple couscous salad in a glass bowl with a serving spoon in. In the background as decoration half a lemon, a dish of chopped coriander and three tomotoes.

    The couscous salad is tossed in a tasty zingy fresh lemon dressing. You can add more lemon or less lemon depending on your preference.

    A unique combination of flavours and textures in the salad provides a satisfying eating experience.

    You could add this to your list of easy couscous lunch ideas because you can also customise the salad to your liking by additional veggies or protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

    Refreshing and satisfying you'll find this couscous salad is an excellent dish particularly when served chilled.

    We love to have our couscous salad served in wraps or flatbread on a bed of iceberg lettuce!

    Close up view of couscous salad in a glass serving bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Benefits Of Couscous Salad
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • FAQ's
    • Other Popular Couscous Salad Recipes
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ Simple Couscous Salad Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Benefits Of Couscous Salad

    • Couscous salad is a healthy nutritional dish. It's typically made with whole wheat couscous which is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fibre and essental vitamins and minerals.
    • This is an easy vegetable couscous recipe. Suitable for vegans and is simple to prepare.
    • Requires minimal cooking time making it a great option for busy individuals.
    • This healthy couscous salad can aid weight management as part of a balanced diet. It's low-fat and low-calorie.
    • As couscous makes you feel fuller for longer it can help to prevent you reaching for unhealthy snacks until the next meal time!

    Ingredients

    Simple couscous salad ingredients laid out on a table.
    • Couscous
    • Vegetable Stock / Vegetable Broth
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Tomatoes
    • Cucumber
    • Red Pepper
    • Spring Onions
    • Sweetcorn
    • Lemon Juice
    • Clove Garlic
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • Freshly Chopped Coriander (for decoration)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this simple couscous salad recipe:

    Couscous placed in a large glass bowl with vegetable stock and olive oil added.

    Step 1

    • Place the couscous in a large bowl. Add the stock and olive oil then stir.
    A bowl of couscous covered.

    Step 1 cont.

    • Cover the bowl. Leave to stand until all the stock has been absorbed.
    Couscous fluffed up in a large bowl using a fork.

    Step 2

    • Once the couscous has softened, fluff it up with a fork and allow it to cool.
    Vegetables added to cooked couscous in glass bowl.

    Step 3

    • Combine all the vegetables together in the bowl.
    Lemon dressing in a small Pyrex bowl with a whisk in and salt and pepper cellars in the background.

    Step 4

    • Make the lemon dressing by combining all the ingredients into a small bowl, whisking together and then season to taste.
    A bowl of simple couscous salad with the dressing poured over and combined into it, garnished with chopped coriander.

    Step 5

    • Pour the dressing over the couscous salad recipe, stir well and season to taste. Scatter over the coriander.

    Substitutions

    • Couscous - I use whole wheat couscous. Use the smaller kind of Couscous known as Moroccan couscous rather than pearl couscous so it cooks quicker.
    • Vegetable Stock / Vegetable Broth - you could just use boiled water instead.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - don't use vegetable oil it may taint the taste.
    • Tomatoes - I just use ordinary salad tomatoes. You could use any kind though.
    • Cucumber - I use a diced English cucumber.
    • Red Pepper - I use a red bell pepper but you could use any kind.
    • Spring Onions - you could use a finely diced red onion instead.
    • Sweetcorn - I use defrosted frozen sweetcorn but you could use drained tinned sweetcorn too.
    • Lemon Juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice is best rather than from a bottle
    • Clove Garlic
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • Freshly Chopped Coriander (for decoration)

    Equipment

    For This Mediterranean Couscous Salad You May Need….

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    That means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    This is the measuring jug I use for all my recipes.

    Great value for money it's high quality and easy to use.

    A perfect measuring jug, easy to clean and suitable for oven and microwave use too!

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    FAQ's

    How To Cook Couscous?

    The easiest way to cook couscous is to allow it to absord the hot stock until it's tender. Then fluff it up with a fork and allow it to cool. You can also boil water / stock and olive oil in a saucepan, add the couscous, turn off the heat and cover the pan. Or microwave the stock / water and olive oil until boiling then add the couscous, cover and fluff once softened.

    Can You Make Couscous Salad Ahead?

    You can make couscous salad ahead yes, if you are meal preping. However I would not add the dressing until you are actually about to serve it. That way the dressing is nice and fresh tasting.

    How To Store Couscous Salad?

    You can store your couscous salad for 2-3 days, covered in the fridge. If you have already added the lemon dressing make sure you stir the couscous salad well before serving to refresh the lemon flavours. You may also need to add a little more lemon juice if the salad has been in the fridge for a while.

    Other Popular Couscous Salad Recipes

    Couscous Chicken Salad
    Couscous chicken salad. This is a quick and easy to make delicious healthy salad which is perfect as a warm dinner salad or cold packed lunch!
    Check out this recipe
    A serving bowl of couscous chicken salad with a spoon in. Cherry tomatoes to the front and salt and pepper shakers and flat bread behind.
    Couscous Greek Salad With Home-Made Dressing
    This couscous Greek salad with home-made dressing is a delicious, filling and easy to make summer salad packed with lots of healthy goodness. Made in just 20 minutes!  
    Check out this recipe
    This couscous Greek salad with home-made dressing is a delicious, filling and easy to make summer salad packed with lots of healthy goodness. Made in just 20 minutes!  
    📋 Mediterranean Chorizo Couscous
    Mediterranean chorizo couscous is a delicious quick healthy budget meal. You'll love the flavours of the smoky sweet lightly toasted couscous. It'll make your taste buds sing! 
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean chorizo couscous is a delicious quick healthy budget meal. You'll love the flavours of the smoky sweet lightly toasted couscous. It'll make your taste buds sing! 
    Overhead view of a large glass bowl with simple couscous salad and a serving spoon in. Tomatoes, a lemon and a dish of chopped coriander above as decoration.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 13 votes

    📋 Simple Couscous Salad Recipe

    This simple couscous salad is a delicious and easy to make salad that's perfect as a quick healthy meal or as an accompaniment to any dinner!
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 226kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Large mixing bowl
    • Pyrex mixing glass bowl
    • Measuring jug
    • Kitchen scale
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Measuring spoons
    • Whisk
    • Garlic press
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    Salad Ingredients: -

    • 250 g couscous
    • 350 ml vegetable stock
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tomatoes diced.
    • 200 g cucumber diced.
    • ยฝ Red Pepper diced.
    • 4 spring onions diced.
    • 250 g frozen sweetcorn defrosted.

    Lemon Dressing Ingredients: -

    • 4 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed.
    • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 clove garlic crushed.
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • Freshly Chopped Coriander for decoration
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    For The Couscous Salad: -

    • Place the couscous in a large bowl add the vegetable stock and olive oil then stir. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for about 5 minutes until all the stock has been absorbed.
    • After about 5 minutes, if the couscous has softened, fluff it up with a fork and allow it to cool.
    • Combine couscous, tomato, cucumber, pepper, spring onion and sweetcorn together in the bowl.

    Lemon Dressing: -

    • Make the lemon dressing by combining all the ingredients into a small bowl, whisking together and then season to taste.
    • Pour the dressing over the couscous salad, stir to combine. Again, season to taste. Scatter over the coriander.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Notes

    Make sure you stir the couscous salad well before serving to refresh the lemon flavours. You may also need to add a little more lemon juice if salad has been in the fridge for a while.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Simple Couscous Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 226 Calories from Fat 72
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 8g12%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Sodium 181mg8%
    Potassium 268mg8%
    Carbohydrates 35g12%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 6g12%
    Vitamin A 742IU15%
    Vitamin C 20mg24%
    Calcium 21mg2%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this easy couscous salad recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes

      June 01, 2023 at 4:18 am

      5 stars
      This proves again that delicious and healthy meals don't have to be complicated and expensive.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 01, 2023 at 5:56 am

        Absolutely Angie. Thank you, that's just what I am aiming for. We've great weather at the moment whilst I write this so this is nice and easy, and healthy and something to enjoy whilst this great weather continues without spending too much time in the kitchen!

        Reply
    2. sherry

      June 01, 2023 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      this is such a great summer salad Neil, and i often make a version of it. It's winter now so it won't make an appearance in my kitchen till summer!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 01, 2023 at 9:06 am

        I hope your winter "down under" isn't too bad Sherry. Never mind, you'll be able to save this recipe and look forward to it in summer next year!

        Reply
    3. Charlie DeSando

      June 01, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      Neil, very nice summer salad, light and tasty

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 02, 2023 at 5:26 am

        THank you Charlie. It's perfect for your BBQ's!

        Reply
    4. mimi rippee

      June 01, 2023 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! Simple, beautiful ingredients.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 02, 2023 at 5:26 am

        Yes, often simplicity is best. Thanks Mimi! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      June 04, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      This looks beautiful and heathy!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 04, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        Thanks Jeff!

        Reply
    6. David @ Spiced

      June 05, 2023 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      I love couscous salads! They make such a great addition to the summer picnic menu. The flavors here sound perfect - I need to put this one on the menu ASAP!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 05, 2023 at 6:02 pm

        Good idea to put it on the summer picnic menu. Thanks David!

        Reply
    7. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      June 06, 2023 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      Ooo I love couscous all year round but especially in summer when you can load it with so many different veggies, herbs, and even fruit. You've got such a simple yet tasty variation. I actually don't recall ever mixing up couscous with corn - loving this idea!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 06, 2023 at 5:25 am

        Thanks Ben. Trying to keep things as simple as possible at the moment too hot to cook much!

        Reply
    8. Michelle

      June 06, 2023 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      Love having couscous salad, especially in the summer - the bright and fresh flavors from the lemon and all the veggies makes this a dish that I could have on repeat!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 07, 2023 at 8:57 am

        Absolutely Michelle. With all the amazing and surprising hot weather we've been having here this couscous salad has been on repeat here! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    9. Frank | Memorie di Angelina

      June 10, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      I love light and simple dishes like thisโ€”especially as the weather turns warm.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 11, 2023 at 10:09 am

        Glad you like it Frank. Thank you!

        Reply
    10. 2pots2cook

      June 14, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yes! With you all the way Neil! This type of salad is perfect for hot days; be it for the beach, or office lunch or any other occasion !

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 15, 2023 at 5:31 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    11. Raymund | angsarap.net

      June 16, 2023 at 1:17 am

      5 stars
      The Mediterranean influence in this dish is fantastic, and I appreciate that you've kept it simple with just a few ingredients. It's amazing how such minimal effort can result in such delicious flavors.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 16, 2023 at 5:29 am

        Thank you Raymund. I'm lucky enough to have samples many different Couscous salad's around the Mediterranean coast, all tasting amazing. So I just wanted mine to reflect them but also be as simple and delicious as possible.

        Reply
    12. Karen

      July 09, 2023 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      A light and tasty dish to showcase fresh summer vegetables.

      Reply
      • Neil

        July 10, 2023 at 5:21 am

        Thanks Karen!

        Reply
    5 from 13 votes (1 rating without comment)

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