Mediterranean Couscous Delight Salad
This refreshing Mediterranean Couscous Delight Salad is a vibrant blend of Israeli couscous, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with the sweetness of raisins and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a delightful side to any meal. With a touch of sumac adding a unique tartness, this salad is both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for those looking to explore Mediterranean flavors, it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Israeli couscous
6 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Spring onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Persian cucumber
1/2 (sliced (peeling optional))
Roma tomatoes
3 small (diced small)
Raisins
2 ounces (added whole)
Fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Sumac
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Lemon
1 (juice only)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (used for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the Israeli couscous according to the package directions until tender but still slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the couscous and place it in a large mixing bowl to cool.
2
While the couscous is cooling, prepare the vegetables: thinly slice the spring onions, chop the Persian cucumber (peeling optional), and dice the ripe Roma tomatoes into small pieces.
3
Add the prepared spring onions, cucumber, diced tomatoes, and raisins to the bowl with the cooling couscous.
4
Next, chop the Italian parsley and fresh mint and fold them gently into the salad for added freshness and flavor.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a zesty dressing.
6
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt, pepper, or sumac if desired.
7
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
30g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Couscous Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing, vibrant blend of Israeli couscous, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and raisins tossed in a zesty lemon and sumac dressing.
What type of couscous is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, cooked until tender but firm.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, the Mediterranean Couscous Delight Salad is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Israeli couscous with a gluten-free alternative like quinoa or gluten-free pearl couscous.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features thinly sliced spring onions, chopped Persian cucumber, and small diced Roma tomatoes.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What is sumac and how does it taste?
Sumac is a Mediterranean spice that adds a unique, tart, and citrusy flavor to the dish.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The recipe uses two tablespoons each of freshly chopped Italian parsley and fresh mint.
How much fat does one serving contain?
Each serving contains approximately 4 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This salad provides about 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the recipe?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in the Mediterranean Couscous Delight Salad?
Yes, it contains 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of this dish?
The salad contains 3.5 grams of sugar, mostly from the natural sweetness of the raisins.
Should I peel the Persian cucumber?
Peeling the cucumber is optional and depends on your personal preference.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
The recipe specifically recommends using 3 small, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Absolutely, adding chickpeas or grilled chicken would be a great way to customize the dish.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
What is the recommended amount of raisins?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of raisins to add a touch of sweetness.
How should the spring onions be prepared?
The spring onions should be thinly sliced using approximately 1/2 cup.
Is the salt and pepper measurement specific?
No, salt and fresh ground black pepper should be added to taste.
How much sumac is required?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/2 teaspoon of sumac.
What is the texture of the cooked couscous?
The Israeli couscous should be cooked until tender but still slightly firm.
Can I use dried mint if fresh is unavailable?
Fresh mint is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use a smaller amount of dried mint if necessary.
Is this a good side dish for summer?
Yes, its refreshing profile and zesty lemon dressing make it ideal for warm weather gatherings.
Do I use the whole lemon?
You only need the juice of one lemon for the dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is perfect for preparing in advance as the flavors continue to develop while it rests.