Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Two bowls of Mediterranean Couscous Salad on a white background.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Best Season: Summer, Spring
Description

Fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor, this Mediterranean Couscous Salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Fluffy couscous is tossed with roasted red peppers, juicy Roma tomatoes, black olives, toasted pine nuts, and cubes of vegan cheese, then coated in a vibrant dressing of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and basil. Every bite offers the perfect balance of bright citrus, savory herbs, and satisfying texture.

Whether you're serving it at a picnic, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a light lunch or simple dinner (see below for a dinner idea), this versatile salad is always a welcome addition to the table. It can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making every forkful even more delicious than the last.

Ingredients
  • 16 ounces couscous
  • 1 cup roasted red pepper (In the jar, small diced)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes (small dice)
  • 1 cup black olives (whole or sliced)
  • 1 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 cup vegan feta cheese
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)
    • Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of 2 lemons
  • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Salad

    Make the couscous according to the package instructions.

  2. 2

    Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and fluff with a fork.

    Cool to room temperature.

     

  3. 3

    Add the red peppers, tomato, olives, pine nuts, and cheese, and toss to combine.

     

  4. 4
    Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and basil, then season with salt and pepper.

     

  5. 5

    Gently fold the dressing into the couscous until everything is well combined.

  6. 6

    Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

     

    Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within three days.
  7. 7
    Colorful roasted bell peppers filled and baked with Mediterranean couscous salad.

    This "salad" can also be served warm as a delicious filling for roasted peppers. Cut two bell peppers (any color) in half, remove the seeds, and lightly spray with cooking oil. Place in a 400° F oven for 20 minutes. Fill with the couscous filling, then return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size Approximately 1 cup

Amount Per Serving
Calories 386kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18.6g29%
Saturated Fat 3.2g16%
Sodium 432mg18%
Potassium 284mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 45.8g16%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
Sugars 3.8g
Protein 9.4g19%
Vitamin A 720 IU
Vitamin C 24 mg
Calcium 118 mg
Iron 2.2 mg
Vitamin E 2.6 mg
Vitamin K 18 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.14 mg
Folate 52 mcg
Magnesium 42 mg
Zinc 1.3 mg
Selenium 16 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Plant-based Mediterranean couscous salad recipe
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/mediterranean-couscous-salad/