Herbed Mediterranean Couscous Medley
This Herbed Mediterranean Couscous Medley is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements grilled chicken, fish, or can stand alone as a satisfying vegan option. Packed with a colorful array of ingredients, such as tangy Kalamata olives, sweet red capsicum, and juicy tomatoes, this salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors. The inclusion of fresh mint and coriander adds an aromatic touch, while a zesty garlic and balsamic dressing binds it all together. Ideal for sunny picnics or meal prep, this dish is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Feel free to customize it further with additions like corn, toasted pine nuts, or anchovies if desired.
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
couscous
1 cup (dry)
hot vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 cup (hot)
kalamata olives
12 (sliced)
red capsicum
1/2 large (diced small)
tomatoes
2 (seeded and diced small)
broccoli
1 small head (chopped into small florets)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh coriander or parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
shallots
3 (sliced fine)
balsamic vinegar
60 ml (none)
lemon juice
30 ml (none)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl with a lid, combine the couscous and hot vegetable or chicken stock. Stir to mix, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
2
While the couscous is soaking, prepare the vegetable mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced Kalamata olives, diced red capsicum, diced tomatoes, chopped mint, chopped coriander (or parsley), and finely sliced shallots. Toss gently to combine.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
4
Pour one-third of the dressing over the vegetable mixture and mix well to ensure everything is coated.
5
Chop the broccoli into small florets and cut the stalk into small, bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size as the corn kernels, to maintain uniformity.
6
Check on the couscous; it should be fluffy. Add the chopped broccoli to the couscous and cover the bowl loosely with the lid again. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute to steam the broccoli.
7
After microwaving, stir in the cooked couscous and broccoli into the vegetable mixture. Toss everything lightly to combine.
8
Pour half of the remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add the rest of the dressing and mix thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated.
9
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Mediterranean Couscous Medley?
It is a refreshing and vibrant side dish featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty garlic and balsamic dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dish is a satisfying vegan option when prepared with vegetable stock.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 90 calories per serving.
What are the primary macronutrients in this dish?
Each serving contains 3g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 2.5g of protein.
How do I prepare the couscous?
Combine 1 cup of dry couscous with 1 cup of hot stock, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either hot vegetable stock or chicken stock depending on your dietary preference.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 sliced Kalamata olives.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be chopped into small florets, with the stalk cut into bite-sized pieces similar in size to corn kernels.
Do I need to cook the broccoli separately?
The broccoli is steamed by adding it to the fluffy couscous and microwaving the mixture for 1 minute.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Can I substitute coriander in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh parsley as a substitute for coriander.
What is the best temperature to serve this salad?
This dish is best enjoyed served warm or at room temperature.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 large minced garlic cloves.
What size should the red capsicum be cut?
The red capsicum should be diced small for uniform distribution.
Should the tomatoes be seeded?
Yes, the instructions specify that the 2 tomatoes should be seeded and diced small.
How many shallots are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 finely sliced shallots.
What herbs provide the aroma in this medley?
Fresh mint and fresh coriander (or parsley) provide the aromatic touch.
Can I add extra ingredients like corn?
Yes, the description suggests that corn, toasted pine nuts, or anchovies can be added for customization.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The dressing uses 60 ml of balsamic vinegar.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep or sunny picnics.
What main dishes pair well with this couscous?
It perfectly complements grilled chicken or fish.
How much lemon juice is included in the dressing?
The dressing includes 30 ml of lemon juice.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
How long does the couscous need to soak?
The couscous should sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the stock.
How do I incorporate the dressing?
One-third is mixed with the vegetables first, and the remaining amount is added after combining the vegetables with the couscous and broccoli.
Is this recipe considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as both a light meal and a healthy side dish.
Can I use a large head of broccoli?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 small head of broccoli.
What is the recommended amount of fresh mint?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint.
How do I ensure the salad is fluffy?
The couscous should be checked for fluffiness after soaking and then tossed lightly with the other ingredients.
Is there any sugar or cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, sugar and cholesterol levels are not specified.