Zesty Lemon Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Lemon Mediterranean Couscous Salad is inspired by the delightful flavors I discovered in a Moroccan restaurant many years ago. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, colorful veggies, and aromatic herbs, this dish comes together effortlessly in under 15 minutes. Ideal for a quick lunch, a flavorful side at a barbecue, or a light dinner, this couscous salad is sure to impress your friends and family. Serve it warm or chilled, and add your favorite proteins for a complete meal.
4
Servings
112
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
2 cups (prepared)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
lemon rind
1 teaspoon (grated)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely diced)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely diced)
carrot
1/4 cup (finely diced)
red onion
1/4 cup (finely diced (optional))
extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (for drizzling)
couscous
1 cup (dry)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, combine chicken stock, salt, pepper, lemon rind, lemon juice, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, and red onion (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, uncovered.
2
Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the couscous, ensuring it's well-distributed.
3
Cover the pot with a lid and let the couscous sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
4
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to prevent it from clumping together.
5
Drizzle the couscous with extra virgin olive oil and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Serve warm as a delightful side dish or allow it to cool and serve chilled as a refreshing salad.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Mediterranean Couscous Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad inspired by Moroccan flavors, featuring tangy lemon, colorful diced vegetables, aromatic herbs, and couscous.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This dish is very quick to make, coming together effortlessly in under 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include chicken stock, couscous, lemon rind, lemon juice, green and red bell peppers, carrots, red onion, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chicken stock, you can easily substitute it with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Is this couscous salad gluten-free?
Standard couscous is made from semolina wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free couscous alternative or quinoa.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is about 2.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides approximately 3.5g of protein.
How much fiber is in this dish?
This recipe contains 1.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to cook the couscous for this recipe?
Boil the stock with seasonings and vegetables, remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
How do I prevent the couscous from clumping?
After the couscous has absorbed the liquid for 5 minutes, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Should I serve this salad warm or cold?
You can serve it warm as a side dish or allow it to cool and serve it chilled as a refreshing salad.
What gives this salad its 'zesty' flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of fresh lemon juice and grated lemon rind.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Is the red onion mandatory?
No, the red onion is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
What kind of oil should I use for drizzling?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich, Mediterranean flavor.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, and red onion should all be finely diced for even distribution.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, you can add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to turn it into a complete meal.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and can be prepared in advance to be served chilled later.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Mediterranean and Moroccan flavors discovered at a restaurant many years ago.
What is the ratio of stock to couscous used here?
This recipe uses 2 cups of chicken stock for 1 cup of dry couscous.
Are the vegetables cooked or raw?
The vegetables are boiled briefly with the chicken stock, which softens them slightly while maintaining their color.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any variety of bell peppers you have on hand, such as yellow or orange.
Is this dish suitable for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it makes for a flavorful and easy-to-transport side dish for outdoor gatherings.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of each, but you should adjust to your personal taste.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, adding fresh parsley or mint would complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
What is the serving size?
The recipe provides 4 servings, typically serving as a side dish or light lunch portion.