Italian Couscous Salad

A Cozy Taste of Summer: Italian Couscous Salad

As the sunny warmth of summer fills the air, the vibrant colors of fresh produce beckon us to the kitchen. One of my fondest memories is enjoying light and refreshing salads during family picnics in the park, the laughter of loved ones mingling with the aromas of homemade dishes. Italian Couscous Salad has a special place in my heart. It’s a delightful, satisfying mix that evokes those cozy summer afternoons, filled with sunshine and joy.

This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for quick meals or packing for a picnic under the blue sky. You’ll find it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table (or picnic blanket!). This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just 15 minutes to a vibrant, delicious salad!
• No-Bake Refreshment: Make it without turning on the oven, perfect for hot days.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves fresh flavors; great for potlucks or parties.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Enjoy it as lunch throughout the week!
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your palate.

What You’ll Need for Italian Couscous Salad

Gather these simple ingredients to create a refreshing summer delight:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Let’s Make It Together

Creating this Italian Couscous Salad is as easy as it is delightful. Let’s dive into the steps:

1. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil.
2. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prep options.

Delicious Variations to Try

Feel like switching things up a bit? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Italian Couscous Salad:

• Zesty Mediterranean Twist: Add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts for a rich, Mediterranean flavor.
• Creamy Avocado Delight: Stir in diced avocado for a creamy, indulgent texture that perfectly contrasts the crunchy veggies.
• Protein-Packed Option: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a hearty addition that makes this salad a complete meal.
• Crunchy Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top for a delightful crunch.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

To ensure your Italian Couscous Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just leave the dressing off until you’re ready to eat.
• Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients! Use whatever fresh produce you have on hand, like zucchini or radishes, without veering too far from the deliciousness.
• Slicing Tricks: Use a sharp knife for finely chopping vegetables; this not only improves texture but also enhances the visual appeal of the salad.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Here’s what you can expect nutritionally per serving:

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 bowl
• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead?
   Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making in advance and keeps well in the fridge.

2. Can I use different ingredients?
   Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins.

3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. How long does it last?
   This salad maintains its freshness for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator, depending on ingredients.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Italian Couscous Salad embodies the spirit of summer with its fresh, vibrant ingredients and an effortless charm that’s hard to resist. Whether packed for a picnic or served as a warm weeknight dinner, its simplicity and flavor will leave you craving more. Save this Italian Couscous Salad to your cozy meal ideas board so it’s ready when you need a refreshing treat!

Italian Couscous Salad

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Italian Couscous Salad, perfect for summer picnics and weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil.
2. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prep options.

Notes

This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just leave the dressing off until you’re ready to eat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: couscous, salad, summer recipe, vegetarian, meal prep