Best 10 Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipes

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Cucumber Couscous Salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. It combines the crispness of cucumber, the fluffy texture of couscous, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. This versatile salad can be customized with various additions such as feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken, making it a great option for potlucks or picnics. Additionally, the recipe includes a flavorful Cucumber Salsa that can be used as a topping for tacos, fish, or grilled meats. Another recipe featured is a Cucumber Raita, a yogurt-based condiment commonly served with Indian cuisine, adding a cooling and creamy element to any dish. With step-by-step instructions and a detailed ingredient list, this article provides everything you need to create these delicious cucumber-based recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SALMON AND COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CUCUMBER-FETA DRESSING



Salmon and Couscous Salad With Cucumber-Feta Dressing image

The dressing in this 30-minute recipe is inspired by green goddess dressing and mast-o khiar, a Persian side dish of cucumbers and yogurt. Here, thick yogurt is combined with fresh herbs, tangy feta and crunchy Persian cucumbers. If you have trouble finding Persian cucumbers, they can be swapped for similarly sweet-skinned English cucumbers or peeled regular cucumbers. Flaking the salmon into the salad evenly distributes it and is a nice alternative to serving a fillet for dinner. Leftover salad can be enjoyed cold for lunch the next day, freshened up with a squeeze of lime juice and more fresh herbs.

Provided by Yasmin Fahr

Categories     brunch, dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, seafood, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 (6-ounce) skin-on (or skinless) salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 limes, 1 halved and 1 zested and juiced
1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
1 1/2 cups baby arugula
1 cup thick, full-fat yogurt, such as Greek, Skyr or labneh
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, cilantro or dill leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
1/4 packed cup fresh mint leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
1 Persian cucumber, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup)
2 scallions, light green and white parts sliced

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In the center of a sheet pan, place salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry, then coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Coat 1 of the lime halves in some of the olive oil in the pan, then place cut-side up in the corner.
  • Roast the salmon on the center rack until opaque on the outside and light pink in the center, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • While the salmon roasts, make the couscous: In a lidded pot over medium-high heat, toast the couscous, uncovered, stirring until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, season with salt, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain an active simmer, then cook until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous in a colander, then drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Stir in the arugula, letting it wilt. Leave in the sink to cool slightly while you make the dressing.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a serving bowl, combine the yogurt with 1/4 cup room temperature water and the zest and juice of 1 lime, then whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin, plus 1/4 cup feta, most of the herbs (reserving some for garnish) and the cucumber. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.
  • Add the cooked couscous and arugula to the yogurt mixture, tossing to combine. Remove the salmon from the skin, then flake with a fork. Add half the salmon to the couscous, mixing it together. Place the remaining salmon on top, squeeze the roasted lime half over the dish, then garnish with the scallions, remaining feta, parsley and mint. Quarter the remaining lime half and serve it on the side.

LEMON HERB CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD



Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous and Cucumber Salad image

Chicken breasts dressed with lemon and herbs are served with couscous and a bright cucumber feta salad in this weeknight dinner recipe.

Provided by Julie Hubert

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes     Pasta

Time 46m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1 (10 ounce) box couscous
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 (4 ounce) thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
1 English cucumber, chopped
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand until broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.
  • Whisk 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and oregano together in a bowl to make dressing.
  • Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup dressing on top. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Place 3 tablespoons dressing in a large bowl; stir in sugar. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add feta cheese and toss again.
  • Drizzle remaining dressing over couscous and fold in olives. Divide couscous among 4 plates. Slice chicken breasts and place on top. Serve tomato salad on the side. Sprinkle parsley over each plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.2 calories, Carbohydrate 68.4 g, Cholesterol 84.3 mg, Fat 42.2 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 37.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1566.8 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

COUSCOUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD



Couscous and Cucumber Salad image

Encourage guests to squeeze the juice from the lemon wedges on to the salad.

Provided by KRISTAB

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Cucumber Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

10 ounces uncooked couscous
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
½ cup finely chopped green onions
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
6 leaves lettuce
6 slices lemon

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 3/4 cup water to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir in cucumber, green onion, parsley, basil and couscous. Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Line a plate with lettuce leaves. Spoon couscous mixture over leaves and garnish with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.6 g, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 227.2 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

CUCUMBER AND ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Cucumber and Israeli Couscous Salad image

I love this tabbouleh-like mixture because of all the herbs and refreshing flavors, and also because of the nice contrast in textures. Make sure that you cook the couscous until the spheres are tender but not gummy. I have seen package directions that call for too little water; make sure you cook them in twice their volume of water.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Israeli couscous
6 to 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped
3/4 pound cucumbers (1 European or 4 Persian), seeded if using regular cucumbers, cut in fine dice
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped, or 1/4 cup chopped chives
Salt to taste
1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried

Steps:

  • Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
  • Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions or chives and salt to taste. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 174, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 424 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVES



Israeli Couscous Salad With Asparagus, Cucumber and Olives image

From Bon Appetit, June 2006. I discovered Israeli couscous at a restaurant over a year ago and set out to find it to try in standard couscous recipes. (Believe it or not I found Israeli couscous for sale at Safeway grocery store by sheer accident!) Quite thrilled to find this recipe very recently!

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (homemade is best) or 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best)
2 cups israeli couscous, toasted
2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, blanched
2 cups English cucumbers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olive, pitted, cut in half
2 large green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (plus a few sprigs for garnish-*NOT* dried mint!)
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • In a small non-reactive bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Stir in the couscous. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the couscous is tender and all the broth is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cool the couscous to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, stir in the blanched asparagus, cucumber, olives, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Gently mix in the feta cheese.
  • Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.4, Fat 20.9, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 395.5, Carbohydrate 39.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 11.1

SALMON CUCUMBER COUSCOUS SALAD



Salmon Cucumber Couscous Salad image

I made this when I needed to clean out my pantry and use up our crop of cucumbers. This salad is light, fresh, and fast. You can add in whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand, and experiment with herbs and dressings. I didn't have any lemons on hand but I had a lemon poppy seed dressing which was too thick for this salad, so I thinned it into a vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar. I served this with a hard-boiled egg on the side for an extra protein kick.

Provided by cmw6v8

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Salmon Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups water
1 cup whole wheat couscous
1 (6 ounce) can skinless, boneless salmon, drained and flaked
1 large cucumber, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon poppy seed dressing
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat, and stir in the couscous. Cover, and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Rinse couscous with cold water in a colander set in the sink. Once cooled, pour couscous into a large bowl. Add salmon, cucumber, celery, tomato, dill weed, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Whisk together lemon poppy seed dressing, olive oil, and vinegar in a small bowl. Pour dressing over salad, and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.2 calories, Carbohydrate 50.7 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 15.9 g, Fiber 8.1 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 201.3 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CUCUMBER COUSCOUS SALAD



Cucumber Couscous Salad image

Chicken or grilled salmon are perfect alongside this refreshing salad. Its combination of cucumber and dill tastes great, and couscous makes it a hearty side dish. -Evelyn Lewis of Independence, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
2 medium cucumbers, peeled, quartered lengthwise and sliced
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Cool to room temperature. , In a large bowl, combine the couscous, cucumbers, red pepper and onions. Whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, dill, vinegar, oil,, salt and pepper. Pour over couscous mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 172mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD



ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Vegetarian

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-1/2 cups low salt chicken broth or stock
2 cups toasted Israeli couscous (couscous grande - instructions for toasting are on package)
2 cups 1/2-inch pieces thin asparagus spears, blanched 2 minutes
2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
2 large green onions
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
1-1/2 cups coursely crumbled feta cheese (about 7 ounces)

Steps:

  • Press garlic clove into small bowl. Add lemon juice and mustard; whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Bring broth to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in couscous. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until couscous is tender and all broth is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to large bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 45 minutes. Mix asparagus, cucumber, oliver, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves into couscous. Add dressing; toss. Gently mix in cheese. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CUCUMBER, RED ONION & HERBS RECIPE - (4.3/5)



Couscous Salad with Cucumber, Red Onion & Herbs Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by lorik

Number Of Ingredients 15

Serves 4 to 6
1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 cup loosely packed cilantro, finely chopped
1 cup loosely packed Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/2 English cucumber, cut lengthwise and very thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, cut in half and shaved extremely thin
1 lemon, zested and juiced, about 3 tablespoons
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup, warmed
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
3 ounces feta cheese, optional
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Put the couscous in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover with a lid or a plate and set aside for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Toss the finely chopped herbs with the couscous, as well as the sliced cucumber, onion, and lemon zest. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, and cumin, then toss this dressing with the couscous. Stir in the pine nuts. Crumble the feta and stir that in as well. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days. Per serving, based on 4 servings. (% daily value) Calories 407 Fat 22.9 g (35.2%) Saturated 5.4 g (27.2%) Carbs 41.8 g (13.9%) Fiber 3.4 g (13.8%) Sugars 5.9 g Protein 10.2 g (20.3%) Cholesterol 18.9 mg (6.3%) Sodium 261.6 mg (10.9%)

COUSCOUS AND CRAB SALAD WITH CUCUMBER JUICE AND MINT



Couscous And Crab Salad With Cucumber Juice And Mint image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 10m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup cucumber juice (see recipe)
1/2 cup uncooked instant couscous
2 cups lump crab meat, picked over for shells
15 small cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place 3/4 cup of the cucumber juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir with a fork. Place in a bowl and set aside to cool.
  • Add the crab meat, cherry tomatoes, onion, mint and lemon and lime rinds and toss to coat. Toss in the remaining cucumber juice. Season with the salt and pepper. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 158, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 413 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right couscous. For this salad, a medium-grain couscous is best. It will hold its shape well and not become too mushy.
  • Rinse the couscous before cooking. This will help to remove any starch and prevent the couscous from sticking together.
  • Cook the couscous according to the package directions. Be sure to use the correct amount of water and cook the couscous for the specified amount of time.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make the salad light and fluffy.
  • Use fresh, flavorful vegetables. The vegetables in this salad should be crisp and flavorful. Choose cucumbers that are firm and have a deep green color. Use ripe tomatoes and bell peppers. If you have access to fresh herbs, use them in place of the dried herbs called for in the recipe.
  • Make the salad ahead of time. This salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

This cucumber couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its bright flavors and healthy ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.

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