Best 7 Lemony Couscous Salad Recipes

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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!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEMONY CUCUMBER COUSCOUS SALAD



Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad image

Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant pasta salad perfect for any summer meal.

Provided by Beth - Budget Bytes

Categories     Lunch     Salad     Side Dish

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1.5 cups pearl couscous ($2.20)
1 fresh lemon ($0.89)
2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
1 English cucumber ($1.49)
1/4 bunch parsley ($0.27)
1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper ($0.02)
3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled ($1.23)

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



Lemon Couscous Salad image

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

1 1/2 cup whole wheat couscous
1 medium English cucumber, cubed
3 carrots, grated (2 tablespoons reserved for dipping sauce)
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
2 large fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey mustard
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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



Israeli Couscous Salad image

Israeli couscous salad with feta, summer vegetables, and lively lemon dressing. Simple, healthy, and perfect for light meals and sides.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Salad     Side Dish

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup whole wheat Israeli couscous (also called pearl couscous)
1 lemon (zested)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups arugula
1 medium English seedless cucumber (sliced and quartered)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes, halved)
1/2 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves (chopped)

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



Our Favorite Lemon Herb Couscous Salad image

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

1 1/2 cups dried Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, depending on taste
1 medium English cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs; use any combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup raisins, we love golden raisins

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



Couscous-Parsley Salad with Preserved Lemon image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup couscous
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
40 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
30 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons finely diced Moroccan Preserved Lemon rind, recipe follows
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 small tomato, peeled, seeded and diced
2 Belgian endives, separated into leaves, for scooping
12 unblemished lemons of equal size
Sea salt or table salt

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



Lemony Couscous Salad image

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

2 cups uncooked couscous
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups boiling water
6 green onions, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped of fresh mint or 1 tablespoon dried mint
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 lemons, juice of
salt & fresh ground pepper

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



Lemon Couscous image

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

1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup couscous
1 (2 ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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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