Caprese Couscous Salad with Fresh Basil
This vibrant Caprese Couscous Salad combines the classic flavors of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all tossed together with fluffy couscous. The bright, tangy dressing enhances the salad, making it a refreshing side dish or a light main course perfect for warm days. Ideal for gatherings, it showcases a delightful twist on a traditional Caprese salad, with the added texture from couscous. Enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!
5
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes
2 cups (Diced)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (Diced (about 3 ounces))
Shallots
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons
Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon (White balsamic or champagne vinegar is acceptable)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground black pepper or tricolor pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Garlic clove
1 (Crushed and minced)
Water
1 1/4 cups (For cooking couscous)
Uncooked couscous
1 cup
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Basil leaves
To garnish (Whole)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, minced shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Toss the ingredients together until evenly coated.
2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and meld together.
3
While the tomato mixture is marinating, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
4
Gradually stir in the uncooked couscous, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
5
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
6
Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the marinated tomato mixture along with the chopped fresh basil. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
7
Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with whole basil leaves on top for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
3.6
Fat
9
Carbs
2.4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Couscous Salad?
Caprese Couscous Salad is a vibrant dish that combines the classic flavors of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil with fluffy couscous.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the Caprese Couscous Salad?
The main ingredients include diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, shallots, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, couscous, and fresh basil.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this salad considered vegetarian?
Yes, this Caprese Couscous Salad is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 3.6 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein does this salad offer?
This recipe provides 2.4 grams of protein per serving.
How long should the tomato and mozzarella mixture marinate?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of vinegar can I use if I don't have lemon juice?
White balsamic or champagne vinegar are excellent alternatives to lemon juice for this recipe.
How do you prepare the couscous for this salad?
Bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil, stir in 1 cup of uncooked couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Do I need to cool the couscous before adding it to the salad?
Yes, the couscous should be allowed to cool to room temperature after fluffing before being mixed with the marinated tomatoes.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, plus whole leaves for garnish.
Can I use different types of pepper?
Yes, you can use fresh ground black pepper or a tricolor pepper blend to taste.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic clove should be crushed and minced before being added to the tomato mixture.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small pieces.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a refreshing cold salad, as the base ingredients are refrigerated and the couscous is cooled to room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as a light main course or a refreshing side dish.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with whole basil leaves on top for an elegant presentation.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to taste.
How many shallots are needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of minced shallots.
What is the primary oil used in the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to dress the salad.
Is the couscous cooked with the tomatoes?
No, the couscous is cooked separately in water and then added to the tomato mixture later.
Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a taste of summer and is ideal for gatherings on warm days.
Can I use pearl couscous instead of standard couscous?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of uncooked couscous; while pearl couscous can be used, cooking times may vary from the 5 minutes listed.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be diced, measuring out to approximately 2 cups.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The fiber content for this recipe is not currently specified.
Is the sodium content listed?
No, the specific sodium content is not provided for this recipe.
What texture does the couscous add to the salad?
The couscous adds a light and fluffy texture that provides a delightful twist on a traditional Caprese salad.