Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing Lemony Couscous Salad. This vibrant dish bursts with bright, zesty flavors, offering a delightful balance of textures and colors. The fluffy couscous forms the base, perfectly absorbing the tangy lemon dressing, while the crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch. Savor the sweetness of juicy tomatoes, the earthy notes of roasted bell peppers, and the aromatic freshness of cucumbers and parsley. Experience a symphony of flavors as the zesty lemon dressing ties all the ingredients together, creating a harmonious and unforgettable salad.
In addition to the main recipe, we present three exciting variations to suit every palate. For those seeking a touch of warmth, the Spicy Harissa Couscous Salad infuses the dish with a North African flair, using fragrant harissa paste to add a delightful kick. If you prefer a creamy twist, the Creamy Feta and Avocado Couscous Salad incorporates creamy feta cheese and ripe avocado for a luscious and satisfying experience. And for those who love the flavors of the sea, the Mediterranean Tuna Couscous Salad combines tender tuna with a zesty lemon-herb dressing, creating a protein-packed and flavorful option.
Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, catering to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, packing a delightful lunch, or seeking a light and refreshing meal, our Lemony Couscous Salad and its variations are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure you won't soon forget!
LEMONY CUCUMBER COUSCOUS SALAD
Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the couscous and continue to boil for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain the couscous in a colander or wire strainer. Rinse briefly with cool water to cool off the couscous, then allow to drain while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Zest the lemon and then squeeze the juice. You'll need about ½ tsp of zest and 3 Tbsp of juice.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Chop the cucumber into quarter-rounds and roughly chop the parsley.
- Add the cooled and drained couscous to a large bowl along with the cucumber, parsley, lemon zest, and feta. Pour the dressing over top, then stir to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 250 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 3 g, Sodium 265 mg
LEMON COUSCOUS SALAD
Fresh crunchy cucumbers, carrots and green onions come alive with a twist of lemon juice and honey mustard. Couscous is perfect for kitchen newbies since this tiny pasta cooks by simply combining with hot water and then letting it rest for about ten minutes while it absorbs the water. Serve this quick and healthful couscous dish warm, cold or at room temperature. Add cubed tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian entrée.
Time 20m
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prepare couscous according to package directions, leaving out any oil, butter, or salt that is called for.
- Allow the couscous to cool, then fluff with a fork and place in a salad dish or medium bowl.
- Add cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and basil and toss gently to combine. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper to make a dressing.
- Pour over couscous mixture and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve at room temperature or chilled, if you like.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 260 milligrams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Protein 9 grams
ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD
Steps:
- Bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium (2-quart) saucepan. Add the couscous, return to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired. While the couscous is still warm, add it to the bowl and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow the couscous to cool.
- When ready to serve, add the remaining ingredients: arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. Toss to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 4), Calories 319 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fiber 13 g
OUR FAVORITE LEMON HERB COUSCOUS SALAD
We love this light couscous salad - it doubles as a side, can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or Adam's favorite, shrimp! With lots of texture from crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy nuts and raisins, this is certainly one of our favorites. You can even make it ahead of time. See the notes section below for our tips.
Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield Makes approximately 8 (1 cup) servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain.
- While the couscous cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the drained couscous to the dressing and mix well.
- Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, walnuts and raisins. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 219, Protein 5 g, Carbohydrate 29 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 160 mg
COUSCOUS-PARSLEY SALAD WITH PRESERVED LEMON
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h15m
Yield 8 appetizer servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine the couscous with the water and lemon juice. Let stand 1 hour.
- To the couscous add the olive oil, parsley, mint, preserved lemon rind, pine nuts, salt and pepper. Mound the couscous in the center of a serving platter. Top with diced tomato. Surround the base with endive leaves. Serve at room temperature.
- Scrub the lemons under running water and pat dry. Cut a thin slice from each end of a lemon. Set on end and make a vertical cut 3/4 of the way through the fruit, leaving the 2 halves attached. Turn the lemon upside down, rotate 90 degrees, and make a second vertical cut, again 3/4 of the way through the fruit. Fill each cut with as much salt as it will hold. Place the lemon in a sterilized, 1-quart size, wide-mouth canning jar. Proceed in this manner for the remaining lemons, pressing as many into the jar as possible. Seal and set aside at room temperature. Add additional lemons over the next few days as the rinds of the first lemons begin to soften. By this time, the juices should have risen to cover the lemons. If not, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt. This will prevent the top lemons from darkening. Store at room temperature until the rinds become tender, and the pulp acquires the consistency of jam, 3 to 4 weeks. Refrigerate. Use within 6 months.
- Yield: 1 quart
LEMONY COUSCOUS SALAD
Make and share this Lemony Couscous Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Add the couscous, salt, and boiling water to a large mixing bowl.
- Cover bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork; all liquid should be asborbed; let cool to room temperature (I put the couscous in the frig to chill a little).
- Once the couscous is at room temperature, add the chopped green onion, cucumber, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss salad gently.
- It is recommended that if you make this salad ahead of time, add the olive oil and lemon juice right before ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.9, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 11.1, Sodium 729.3, Carbohydrate 66.1, Fiber 7.5, Sugar 3.8, Protein 13.7
LEMON COUSCOUS
This is light and fresh and accompanies fish (i.e. habanero-lime butter grilled salmon) and chicken well. It is a refreshing change to the rice or potato side dish, and everyone always loves it.
Provided by redveeder
Categories Side Dish
Time 15m
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Stir chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and salt together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Add couscous to the liquid and stir to coat completely. Place a cover on the saucepan, remove from heat, and let couscous soak in hot liquid until the moisture is mostly absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir pimento peppers, pine nuts, and parsley into the couscous.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.2 g, Cholesterol 11.8 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 549.4 mg, Sugar 1.4 g
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can substitute bottled lemon juice, but the flavor will be less bright.
- To make sure the couscous is cooked evenly, use a fork to fluff it up before adding the dressing. This will also help to prevent the couscous from clumping together.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped cucumber, tomatoes, or bell peppers. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for later. The salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This lemony couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is also a great way to use up leftover couscous. With its bright citrus flavor and variety of textures, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.
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