Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing is a light, refreshing, and colorful dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast. Featuring fluffy couscous tossed with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a bright lemon-herb dressing, this salad is the ideal combination of simplicity and sophistication.

It’s a dish that can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy lunch. Whether served as a side or a main, it never fails to impress with its vibrant look and clean, refreshing taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Mediterranean Couscous Salad because it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and invigorating at the same time. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and packed with nutrients, yet it feels light and energizing — no heaviness, just clean, fresh flavors.

I love how easy it is to prepare — ready in less than 30 minutes, with minimal cooking required. It’s also incredibly versatile: you can enjoy it as a main dish, a picnic salad, or a side to grilled meats and seafood. The lemon dressing ties everything together with a burst of brightness that makes every bite lively and balanced.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This couscous salad is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, wholesome meals that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Here’s why it deserves a spot on your menu:

• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Vibrant & Fresh: The lemon dressing gives it a refreshing tang.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Tastes even better as it sits and absorbs flavor.
• Incredibly Versatile: Works as a side dish or a complete meal.
• Beautiful Presentation: A rainbow of ingredients that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply love Mediterranean food, this dish will win you over instantly.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
• Course: Salad / Side Dish / Light Main
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Couscous Salad:

• 1 ½ cups couscous (plain or pearl couscous)
• 1 ¾ cups boiling water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)

For the Lemon Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional for balance)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Couscous

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
2. Stir in couscous, olive oil, and salt.
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes (or as package directs).
4. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the couscous cools, chop all vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the onion.
2. Slice the olives and chop the herbs (parsley and mint).

Step 3: Make the Lemon Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine cooked couscous, vegetables, olives, feta, and herbs.
2. Pour the lemon dressing over the top.
3. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Garnish with extra feta or parsley before serving.

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How to Serve

Serve Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Ideas:

• As a main course, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• As a side dish, pair with grilled lamb, fish, or kebabs.
• Serve it in mason jars for portable lunches or picnics.
• For a light dinner, pair with pita bread and hummus.

Recipe Tips

• Use vegetable broth instead of water to add more flavor to the couscous.
• Cool the couscous completely before mixing in vegetables to prevent wilting.
• Add dressing gradually — you can always add more if needed.
• Make ahead: The salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Use fresh herbs — they add a bright, authentic Mediterranean aroma.

Variations

1. Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
2. Vegan Version: Skip feta or use vegan feta cheese.
3. Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
4. Roasted Veggie Couscous: Replace fresh veggies with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
5. Whole Grain Boost: Use quinoa, bulgur, or farro instead of couscous.
6. Greek-Inspired: Add capers and a bit of oregano for classic Greek flavor.
7. Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime juice to the dressing for variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the fresh vegetables — they lose texture after thawing.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the couscous and dressing 1 day ahead, then assemble before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for couscous)
• Mixing bowls (for vegetables and dressing)
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Salad tongs or fork (for tossing)
• Serving bowl or platter

Conclusion

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing is a bowl of sunshine — light, zesty, and full of life. It captures everything that makes Mediterranean cuisine so beloved: fresh produce, simple preparation, and vibrant, healthy flavors.

It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or quick weekday lunches and brings a touch of the Mediterranean coast straight to your table. The lemon dressing brightens every bite, while the feta, olives, and herbs make it irresistibly flavorful.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing

I absolutely adore this Mediterranean Couscous Salad because it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and invigorating at the same time.

Author: Stella Parker Course: Salads

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

For the Couscous Salad:

• 1 ½ cups couscous (plain or pearl couscous)
• 1 ¾ cups boiling water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)

For the Lemon Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional for balance)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Couscous : In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, olive oil, and salt. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes (or as package directs). Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and let it cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables ; While the couscous cools, chop all vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the onion. Slice the olives and chop the herbs (parsley and mint).
3. Step 3: Make the Lemon Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Salad : In a large salad bowl, combine cooked couscous, vegetables, olives, feta, and herbs. Pour the lemon dressing over the top. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Chill and Serve : You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra feta or parsley before serving.

Keywords: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing