Citrusy Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this refreshing and zesty Couscous Tabbouleh Salad. A delightful medley of fresh herbs, juicy vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing brings the perfect balance to this dish. The addition of salami adds a savory twist, making it a versatile salad that can be served as a light meal or a flavorful side dish. The generous amount of lemon juice revives the palate, ensuring that every bite is bursting with freshness. Give it a try—this salad is destined to become a favorite!
4
Servings
325
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Couscous
2 cups (dry)
Lemon Juice
6 (freshly squeezed)
Onion
1/2 cup (very finely diced)
Cucumber
1/2 cup (finely diced)
Tomatoes
1/2 cup (finely diced)
Salami
1/2 cup (finely diced)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh Parsley
1 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh Mint
1 cup (finely chopped)
Virgin Olive Oil
1/4-1/2 cup (to taste)
Sea Salt
to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the couscous and lemon juice, ensuring all grains are coated. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed the lemon juice and is tender.
2
Once soaked, add the finely diced onion, and season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Let the mixture sit for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Stir in the diced cucumber, tomatoes, salami, chopped cilantro, parsley, and mint. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Mix gently to combine.
5
For the best flavor, let the salad rest at room temperature for at least a couple of hours before serving. If possible, prepare it a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully.
6
This salad can be served as a light meal or alongside rich meats, bringing a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
27.5
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrusy Couscous Tabbouleh Salad?
It is a refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired salad made with couscous, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, finely diced vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing with an added savory twist of salami.
How do you prepare the couscous for this recipe?
The couscous is prepared using a no-cook method where it is soaked in fresh lemon juice for 15 to 20 minutes until the grains are tender and have fully absorbed the citrus flavor.
How many lemons are needed for this salad?
The recipe calls for the juice of 6 freshly squeezed lemons to soak the 2 cups of dry couscous.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
While the base ingredients are vegetarian, this specific version includes salami. To make it strictly vegetarian, you can simply omit the salami.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this Citrusy Couscous Tabbouleh Salad contains approximately 325 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should the salad rest before being served?
For the best flavor, the salad should rest at room temperature for at least two hours, or ideally, it can be prepared a day ahead.
What are the nutritional macros for this dish?
A single serving contains 22.5g of fat, 27.5g of carbohydrates, and 7.5g of protein.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features very finely diced onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Which fresh herbs are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of fresh parsley, fresh mint, and chopped cilantro.
Why is the onion added separately during the soaking process?
The finely diced onion is added to the soaked couscous and allowed to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to help the flavors meld before the other vegetables are mixed in.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of virgin olive oil, adjusted to your personal taste preference.
How should the ingredients be prepared for the best texture?
The onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and salami should all be very finely diced to ensure a consistent texture in every bite.
Can I substitute the salami with something else?
Yes, the salami adds a savory twist but can be substituted with chickpeas for a vegetarian protein or omit it entirely for a traditional feel.
What is the role of the lemon juice in the texture of the couscous?
The lemon juice acts as the hydrating liquid that softens the dry couscous grains, giving them a bright, acidic foundation.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from semolina flour which contains gluten. You would need to substitute the couscous with quinoa or millet for a gluten-free version.
How much parsley and mint are required?
The recipe calls for a generous 1 cup each of finely chopped fresh parsley and fresh mint.
What kind of salt and pepper should be used?
The recipe suggests using sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste for the best seasoning profile.
Can this salad be served as a main meal?
Yes, thanks to the addition of salami and the density of the couscous, it can be served as a light main meal or a flavorful side dish.
What makes this salad different from traditional tabbouleh?
Traditional tabbouleh usually uses bulgur wheat; this version uses couscous and adds salami for a unique savory flavor profile.
Does this recipe require any cooking on a stove?
No, this is a no-cook recipe where the grains are softened through citrus-soaking rather than boiling water.
How much cilantro is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro.
Is there any sugar or sodium information available?
The provided nutritional data does not specify exact sugar or sodium counts, though it notes salt is added to taste.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served at room temperature after the flavors have had several hours to develop and meld together.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
This zesty salad provides a refreshing contrast to rich or heavy meats, making it an excellent side for grilled lamb or chicken.
How finely should the herbs be chopped?
The parsley, mint, and cilantro should be finely chopped to integrate smoothly with the small grains of couscous.
Is there a specific serving size for the 325 calories?
The calories are based on one-fourth of the total recipe yield, which serves 4 people.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While possible, fresh squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended to achieve the vibrant, citrusy flavor profile intended for this salad.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the seasonings and oil.
How would you describe the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a zesty, tangy, and herbal dish with a savory undertone from the salami and a bright finish from the heavy lemon content.