Best 11 Israeli Couscous Asparagus Cucumber And Olive Salad Recipes

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Feast your senses on a culinary journey to the vibrant Mediterranean with this delightful Israeli couscous salad. This vibrant dish, hailing from the sun-kissed lands of Israel, is a captivating fusion of flavors, textures, and colors. With its base of fluffy Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, this salad offers a hearty and nutty foundation. Asparagus, with its tender-crisp spears, adds a touch of elegance and a subtle sweetness. Crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, while briny olives impart a savory depth. Fresh herbs, such as parsley and mint, introduce a burst of aromatic freshness. A tangy dressing, made with a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and zesty spices, ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. This Israeli couscous salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a light and satisfying lunch. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. Discover the detailed recipe inside and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

A combination of several favorite recipes all in one! Israeli coucous is larger than regular coucous and can be found in the kosher section of the grocery store.

Provided by MacChef

Categories     Summer

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (8 7/8 ounce) package israeli couscous
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 -3 green onions, sliced
10 black olives, sliced
6 ounces fat free feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook coucous according to package directions, drain and rinse in cool water.
  • Combine remaining ingredients and cover and chill till ready to eat.

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

TOASTED ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLES



Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 green zucchinis, quartered lengthwise
2 yellow zucchinis, quartered lengthwise
6 spears asparagus, trimmed
12 cherry tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1 yellow bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1/4 cup basil chiffonade (stack leaves, roll in a cigar shape and cut crosswise into thin strips)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Israeli couscous
2 cups vegetable stock, heated
Hot water, to cover

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard and garlic, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 the marinade over the vegetables and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the grill. Remove the vegetables from the marinade and grill the vegetables until just cooked through. Cut the zucchini and peppers into 1/2-inch pieces, cut the tomatoes in half. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, add the couscous and toast until lightly golden brown. Cover the couscous with the hot stock and hot water and bring to a boil, cook until al dente and drain well. Place in a large serving bowl, add the grilled vegetables and herbs and toss with the remaining vinaigrette. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calorie, Fat 11.5 grams, SaturatedFat 1.5 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 141 milligrams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 5 grams

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

ISRAELI VEGETABLE SALAD



Israeli Vegetable Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (1 pound 13-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup tahini (ground sesame paste)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons), divided
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, halved, seeded, and 1/2-inch diced
2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 cup (1/2-inch-diced) Holland red bell pepper (1 large)
3/4 cup (1/4-inch-diced) red onion
1/2 cup julienned fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Toasted pita bread, for serving

Steps:

  • For the hummus, place the chickpeas, tahini, 3/4 cup of the lemon juice, the garlic, cumin, Sriracha, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until the mixture is completely smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add a few tablespoons of warm water until it is creamy but still thick and spreadable.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, the remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper and combine.
  • Spoon the hummus onto a large (12-by-16-inch) serving platter, spreading it out with a raised edge. With a slotted spoon, mound the vegetable salad on the hummus, leaving the edges of the hummus visible. Sprinkle the vegetables and hummus with the mint and extra salt. Drizzle with olive oil and serve at room temperature with pita bread.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

Make and share this Israeli Couscous Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

salt
1 lb israeli couscous
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 preserved lemon, skin only, sliced as thinly as possible (or 1 T. lemon zest)
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup currants or 1/4 cup golden raisin
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (can be drained canned)
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 pint cherry tomatoes or 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved if large
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
  • Cook the couscous, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
  • When it is ready, drain it well, rinse it very briefly with cold water, drain again, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  • Dress the couscous with olive oil, vinegar, ground spices, and a pinch of salt and toss it vigorously to ensure the spices are well distributed throughout the pasta.
  • Taste and add more acid or salt as necessary.
  • Add the preserved lemon, onion, currants, chickpeas, capers, pine nuts, tomatoes, and parsley to the couscous; toss them through once or twice, and if possible, let the salad rest at room temperature for an hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 495.1, Fat 17.6, SaturatedFat 1.9, Sodium 159, Carbohydrate 72.1, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 6, Protein 13.2

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS, AND SUGAR SNAPS



Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps image

Provided by Jeanne Kelley

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Parmesan     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Chill     Healthy     Potluck     Couscous     Sugar Snap Pea     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1 1/3 cups Israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
14 ounces slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  • Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Test-kitchen tip:
  • To trim asparagus, hold onto the top of the stalk with one hand and bend the bottom of the stalk with your other hand. The stalk will snap, separating the woody end from the tender top.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

A fresh and light salad of Israeli couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, spinach, and herbs drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing. Serve by itself or alongside your favorite protein.

Provided by The Natalie Method

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 1h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Israeli couscous, uncooked
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup quartered black olives
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
¼ cup julienned fresh mint leaves
¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves
lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add dry couscous and saute until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until couscous is tender and all liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
  • While the couscous is cooling, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and Dijon mustard together for the dressing in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Transfer cooled couscous to a serving bowl. Add cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, olives, scallions , parsley, mint, and basil. Pour dressing over top and mix to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 45.7 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 635.8 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Israeli Couscous With Asparagus image

Make and share this Israeli Couscous With Asparagus recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups water
1 3/4 cups asparagus, diagonally cut into 1 inch slices
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth, fat and salt-free
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup couscous, such as Israeli couscous
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons cashew nuts, chopped and lightly salted

Steps:

  • To cook asparagus place water in a medium saucepan; bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook 2 minutes or just until crisp-tender; drain. Place asparagus in ice water 1 minute; drain. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil. Add couscous; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook 5 minutes.
  • Stir in asparagus, black pepper, red bell pepper and cashews. Cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CHICKPEA SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Chickpea Salad image

You can find a whole-wheat version of the spherical couscous marketed as Israeli couscous in some whole foods and Middle Eastern markets.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 3 to 4 generous servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup Israeli couscous, preferably whole-wheat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 ounce feta, diced
2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 red pepper, cut in thin 2-inch slices
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Salt to taste
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or use half olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or mild chili powder (more to taste)

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 bowl and add the cilantro, chives, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas and red pepper.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the lemon juice, salt, cumin, remaining olive oil, yogurt and Aleppo pepper or chili powder. Toss with the couscous mixture. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 437, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 486 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

FRESH ISRAELI SALAD



Fresh Israeli Salad image

Israeli salad. Use a full-flavored olive oil. Optional: add minced olives, feta cheese, or cilantro.

Provided by KN518

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
½ seedless cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 radishes, cut into 1/8-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 scallion, cut into 1/8-inch cubes
1 teaspoon lemon juice, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground sumac
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Toss tomatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, olive oil, scallion, lemon juice, sumac, and salt together in a bowl; let stand for flavors to blend, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.3 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 10.5 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Look for asparagus that is bright green and crisp, cucumbers that are firm and have a deep green color, and olives that are plump and have a good flavor.
  • Cook the couscous properly: Be sure to follow the package directions for cooking the couscous. If you overcook it, it will become mushy and the salad will not be as good.
  • Let the salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together and the salad will be more refreshing.
  • Serve the salad with a dressing of your choice: A simple vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing would be a good option.

Conclusion:

This Israeli couscous salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish or light lunch. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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