Best 8 Israeli Couscous Salad With Asparagus Cucumber And Olives Recipes

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Israeli couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's made with whole wheat couscous, which is a small, round pasta that's similar to quinoa. The salad also includes fresh vegetables like asparagus, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, as well as salty olives and tangy feta cheese. It's all tossed in a light and lemony dressing that brings all the flavors together.

In this article, you'll find two recipes for Israeli couscous salad. The first recipe is a classic version of the dish, while the second recipe is a vegan version that uses tofu instead of feta cheese. Both recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So whether you're looking for a healthy and delicious side dish or a light and refreshing main course, Israeli couscous salad is a great option.

Let's cook with our 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.

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.

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 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 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

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND ARUGULA SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Arugula Salad image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 cups Israeli (pearl) couscous
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 vine-ripened tomato, diced
1/2 cup dried currants
1 hothouse cucumber, seeded and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
2 cups Israeli (curly baby) arugula

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until couscous has puffed up and is cooked through to the center. Drain and allow to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Prepare dressing by whisking together the lemon juice and mustard while drizzling in the olive oil. Once slightly emulsified, stir in pepper flakes and season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  • Toss the tomato, currants, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion and arugula with the couscous. Pour the dressing over top. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss to the combine.

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

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

Tips for Making Israeli Couscous Salad with Asparagus, Cucumber, and Olives:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make all the difference in the flavor of your salad.
  • Cook the Israeli couscous according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
  • Don't overcook the asparagus. You want it to be tender, but still have a bit of a crunch.
  • Slice the cucumber thinly. This will help it absorb the dressing better.
  • Use a good quality olive oil for the dressing. This will add a lot of flavor to the salad.
  • Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper.

Conclusion:

Israeli couscous salad with asparagus, cucumber, and olives is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for spring or summer. It is easy to make and can be served as a main course or side dish. The salad is packed with healthy ingredients, including Israeli couscous, asparagus, cucumber, olives, and herbs. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad to enjoy this season, Israeli couscous salad with asparagus, cucumber, and olives is a great choice.

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