Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that encapsulates the flavors of summer. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and creamy feta, this salad makes an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, or as a light main course. The combination of hearty couscous with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet red bell peppers creates a delightful texture and flavor profile, while a tangy vinaigrette elevates the dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for quick meal prep or entertaining guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Broth
1 1/4 cups (Heat until boiling)
Instant Couscous
1 cup (Fluff after cooking)
Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 1/2 cups (Use pre-crumbled or crumble your own)
Cucumbers
1 1/4 cups (Diced)
Tomatoes
1 cup (Diced)
Red Bell Pepper
3/4 cup (Diced)
Green Onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Fresh Basil
1/4 cup (Chopped)
White Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1/3 cup (Choose one for the dressing)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (Use extra virgin for best flavor)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (Add to dressing)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (Adjust to taste)
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Stir in the instant couscous, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat. Let the couscous sit, covered, for about 5 minutes to absorb the broth.
2
After 5 minutes, transfer the fluffy couscous to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
3
Once the couscous has cooled, add the crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, minced garlic, and sugar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetable mixture, and season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy this refreshing salad cold or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines fluffy couscous with crisp vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers, topped with creamy feta cheese and a tangy vinaigrette.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The entire recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
Is Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad vegetarian?
As written with chicken broth, it is not strictly vegetarian; however, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
What type of couscous should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for instant couscous, which is designed to absorb boiling liquid quickly without traditional stovetop boiling.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a perfect 1:1 substitute for chicken broth and will maintain the savory flavor profile of the couscous.
How do I cook the couscous for this recipe?
Bring the broth to a rolling boil, stir in the couscous, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Does the couscous need to cool before adding the vegetables?
Yes, it is recommended to let the couscous cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the fresh vegetables from wilting and the feta from melting.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad features diced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
Crumbled feta cheese is used to provide a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh vegetables and grains.
What herbs are used in the Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad?
Freshly chopped basil is used to add a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar until well combined.
Can I use lemon juice instead of white wine vinegar?
Absolutely. Lemon juice provides a bright, citrusy acidity that works perfectly with the feta and vegetables.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the dressing?
A small amount of sugar (1/4 teaspoon) helps balance the acidity of the vinegar or lemon juice and the saltiness of the feta.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing option for summer meals.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, or prepare it a few hours in advance.
How long does the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, the salad will remain fresh for 2 to 3 days, though the vegetables are crispest on the first day.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Feta Couscous Salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, lamb kabobs, or as a side dish for summer barbecues and picnics.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, traditional couscous is made from semolina flour and contains gluten. You would need to use a gluten-free grain alternative to make it gluten-free.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Yes, adding chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or shredded chicken is a great way to turn this into a more heartier main course.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the dressing to provide the best depth of flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients, including the pantry staples like salt, pepper, and sugar.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
While fresh basil is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil if necessary.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from the couscous.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper?
Yes, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar sweet flavor and crunch.
How do I prevent the couscous from becoming clumpy?
After the 5-minute resting period, use a fork to gently fluff the couscous to separate the grains.
Can I add olives to this recipe?
Adding Kalamata olives would be a great addition to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad features a delightful mix of fluffy grains, crunchy vegetables, and soft, creamy cheese.
Is this salad good for picnics?
Yes, because it can be served at room temperature and doesn't contain mayonnaise, it is a very stable and popular picnic dish.
Can I use pearl (Israeli) couscous instead?
Yes, but you will need to boil pearl couscous in water for about 8-10 minutes rather than using the soaking method for instant couscous.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.