Mediterranean Couscous Delight with Zesty Dressing
This Mediterranean Couscous Delight is a vibrant and nutritious salad that brings together the flavors of Greece into a delightful and refreshing dish. Inspired by a culinary exploration at The Village Charter School, this recipe features a blend of garlic-infused couscous, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade zesty dressing. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste. Serve chilled for the best flavor and enjoyment, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully together.
8
Servings
275
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon
Red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons
Basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon
Oregano leaves
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic and herb couscous mix
1 (6 ounce) package
Chickpeas
3/4 cup (rinsed)
Cucumber
1 (diced & seeded)
Grape tomatoes
8 (halved)
Feta cheese
1/2 cup
Ripe olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
Green onions
3 (sliced)
Fresh mint
1 teaspoon (chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried mint)
All-purpose Greek seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, red wine vinegar, basil, and oregano.
2
Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all the dressing ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4
Fluff the cooled couscous with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous with the chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, feta cheese, sliced olives, green onions, and chopped mint.
6
Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
7
For optimal flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Serve as a side dish or a light meal.
Nutrition Information
13.75g
Fat
30g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Couscous Delight with Zesty Dressing?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad featuring garlic-infused couscous, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a homemade zesty dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this couscous salad?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mediterranean Couscous Delight is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What ingredients are needed for the zesty dressing?
The dressing consists of minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, red wine vinegar, basil, and oregano.
How do you prepare the dressing?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly combined.
What kind of couscous is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce package of garlic and herb couscous mix.
How should the couscous be prepared?
Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions, then let it cool and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and sliced green onions.
Does this recipe include protein sources other than grains?
Yes, it includes 3/4 cup of rinsed chickpeas and feta cheese, contributing to a total of 6.25g of protein per serving.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of feta cheese.
Can I use dried mint if I do not have fresh mint?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh mint with 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For optimal flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 1/2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The dressing requires one minced garlic clove.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 18 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be diced and seeded before being added to the salad.
Is there any specific seasoning used for the salad mixture?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of all-purpose Greek seasoning.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served as a side dish or a light meal, preferably chilled to let flavors meld.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the grape tomatoes be cut?
The 8 grape tomatoes should be halved.
What type of mustard is used?
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is used to emulsify and flavor the dressing.
Is sugar included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is added to the dressing to balance the acidity.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, couscous salad, greek cuisine, healthy salad, and vegetarian.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 3 sliced green onions.
Why is the salad chilled before serving?
Chilling allows the ingredients and the zesty dressing to meld beautifully for the best flavor.
What herb leaves are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 teaspoon of basil leaves and 1/8 teaspoon of oregano leaves.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a culinary exploration at The Village Charter School.