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Fluffy pearl couscous tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette ties it all together for a refreshing and hearty salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Cook the Pearl Couscous (15-20 minutes)
Prepare the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette (3 minutes)
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Fluffy pearl couscous tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette ties it all together for a refreshing and hearty salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
This Mediterranean recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 626.5 calories per serving with 18.57g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)
Final Touches and Serving (2 minutes)
Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or additional chickpeas to make it a more substantial main course.
Substitute the pearl couscous with 1.5 cups of cooked quinoa, farro, or orzo for a different texture and nutritional profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Incorporate other Mediterranean vegetables like chopped bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for more complexity.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative to make the salad fully vegan.
The combination of whole wheat couscous, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables provides a high amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Extra virgin olive oil and Kalamata olives are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Chickpeas are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you energized throughout the day.
Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs are loaded with vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and support a strong immune system.
A single serving of this Couscous Salad (approximately 2 cups) contains around 550-600 calories, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. The exact count can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with fiber from vegetables and chickpeas, healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, and plant-based protein. It provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
Absolutely. For best results, prepare the couscous and chop the vegetables, storing them in an airtight container. Keep the vinaigrette, feta, and fresh herbs separate. Combine everything just before you plan to serve it to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
No, traditional couscous is made from semolina wheat and is not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the pearl couscous with an equal amount of cooked quinoa or a gluten-free pasta like orzo.
Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, consists of much larger spheres and has a chewy, pasta-like texture. Regular Moroccan couscous is much smaller and has a lighter, more granular texture. Both are delicious, but pearl couscous holds up better in salads.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the vegetables may soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.