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Home / Recipes
30 minutes
4.5 from 50 votes
17 Comments

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

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by: Joanna Cismaru
05.16.19
Updated: 07.21.20

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This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is easy and healthy and ready in under 30 minutes! A simple salad loaded with lots of fresh veggies and an easy dressing makes this great for a meal on its own or a delicious side dish!

two bowls of Mediterranean Couscous Salad with parsley in the background

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

I love to add some kind of complex carby starch to my salads. Not only does it add some great flavor and chew, but it also bulks up any salad and makes them feel like a real hearty meal rather than just a side. I love this salad because the couscous really soaks up the flavor of the dressing, meaning it’s delicious to pack up for lunch the next day!

Loaded with fresh tomato, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives, this salad will have you coming back for more time and time again. So let’s get into this easy, fresh salad that will be on your table in under 30 minutes!

What Is Couscous?

Did you know that couscous is just small beads of pasta made from semolina? It’s very popular in places like Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and lots of Arabic countries. Traditionally, it is served with meat and vegetable stew. It cooks very quickly, so it’s perfect for a hectic night when you want a quick and healthy dinner

If you cook couscous properly it’s very light and fluffy. Luckily, in most western supermarkets, couscous is instant, which means it’s been pre-steamed and dried. Otherwise there’s no science to cooking couscous, usually you just follow the package instructions, one cup of boiling water to 3/4 cup of couscous. You can also add some butter or olive oil to it and some salt. And really, that’s all there is to it.

process shots for making Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Ingredients In Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Dressing
  • Lemon juice – This is the flavor base of our dressing. Freshly squeezed please!
  • White wine vinegar – We need a bigger acidity kick and white wine vinegar adds some nice complexity.
  • Olive oil – Feel free to use a nice olive oil as we won’t be cooking this dish.
  • Garlic – Use as much or little as you like.
  • Sugar – We need a little sweetness to cut through the acidity.
  • Italian seasoning – For that Mediterranean flavor.
  • Salt & pepper – To taste.
Salad
  • Couscous – I used uncooked for this salad as I wanted to add some flavor to the pasta.
  • Butter – Unsalted, remember we want to control our sodium content!
  • Veggies – English cucumber, tomato, red onion, and green pepper diced up.
  • Olives – I love olives, no Mediterranean dish is complete without them. Kalamata was my olive of choice for this recipe.
  • Cheese – A nice crumbly, salty feta is ideal.
  • Mint – Fresh, chopped up and sprinkled on the salad.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad in a clear bowl

How To Make Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Detailed instructions and measurements can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Prepare the couscous: Follow the packaged instructions to prepare the couscous. Add the butter to the couscous when you’re preparing it. Let it cool.
  • Combine the dressing: In a small bowl or jar add all the dressing ingredients together and whisk well or if using a jar, close the lid and shake well, until thoroughly combined.
  • Assemble the salad: To a large bowl add the prepared couscous and fluff it up with a fork. Add the rest of the salad ingredients. Pour the prepared dressing over and toss everything well together. Garnish with extra mint and feta and serve!
overhead shot of Mediterranean Couscous Salad in two white bowls with a fork in the bowl

Leftovers

This salad will store well in the fridge for up to a week. The dressing can be used for up to 2 weeks if refrigerated in an airtight container. Just be sure to mix well before using again.

Craving More Mediterranean Dishes? Try These Recipes:

  • Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
  • Couscous Pilaf with Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Best Ever Hummus
  • Israeli Salad with Goat Cheese
  • Moussaka
  • Shakshuka
  • Bruschetta Salmon
  • Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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side view shot of mediterranean couscous salad in a bowl

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

4.5 from 50 votes
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 30 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is easy and healthy and ready in under 30 minutes! A simple salad loaded with lots of fresh veggies and an easy dressing makes this great for a meal on its own or a delicious side dish!

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 4 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp pepper or to taste

Salad

  • 3/4 cup couscous uncooked
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 English cucumber chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup olives sliced, I recommend Kalamata olives
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion chopped
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 tbsp mint fresh, chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Follow the packaged instructions to prepare the couscous. Add the butter to the couscous when you’re preparing it. Let it cool.
  • In a small bowl or jar add all the dressing ingredients together and whisk well or if using a jar, close the lid and shake well, until thoroughly combined.
  • To a large bowl add the prepared couscous and fluff it up with a fork. 
  • Add the rest of the salad ingredients. Pour the prepared dressing over and toss everything well together.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 231kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 24g (8%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 12g (18%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Cholesterol: 21mg (7%)Sodium: 585mg (25%)Potassium: 230mg (7%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 480IU (10%)Vitamin C: 27.5mg (33%)Calcium: 133mg (13%)Iron: 1.2mg (7%)
Course:Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Keyword:30 minutes, couscous salad, mediterranean couscous salad, picnic, salad
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
Originally published August 2011.

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Tamara says

    June 23, 2020 at 10:23 am

    Delicious recipe on it’s own. I may top salad greens with this and add some chick peas with the leftovers. Love the dressing.

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    April 29, 2020 at 2:50 am

    Yuuuum! I make this recipe all the time. Adding Vegeta or chicken stock to the couscous makes it extra delicious. So perfect for lunch and keeps so well in the fridge. 15 mins and lunch for the week is done!

    Reply
  3. Connie B says

    June 15, 2019 at 5:51 am

    5 stars
    Even my husband liked this recipe. The dressing complements the salad without being too bitter or tangy.

    Reply
  4. Jennifer Wyble says

    June 1, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy Jo! Had this with bbq chicken breasts for dinner. Everyone loved it! ANOTHER delicious dish from my fav cooking expert!
    Hugs – 🙂 <3

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      June 1, 2019 at 8:23 pm

      Yay! So happy to hear that!

      Reply
  5. Jessica Williams says

    April 5, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight and it was so fluffy and delicious!! The veggies were on point and that dressing was amazing. I let it sit in the fridge so the flavors could marry, and wow! My girls loved it, and I’m quite certain the spousal unit will love it too when he gets home! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Jessica

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 6, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      My pleasure, Jessica! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Carol Spear says

    June 18, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    Easiest recipe for the tastiest salad. It is great along side grilled meats but also makes a perfect vegetarian meal when I want to go lighter.

    Reply
    • Jessica Williams says

      April 5, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      Yes! The next time I make this will be a vegetarian meal with grilled portobellos.

      Reply
  7. Linda Johnston says

    May 14, 2018 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    I L O V E T H I S S T U F F!!! Make it. You’ll love it too! So much so that you may turn into a “Med” salad addict like me. Could be worse!!

    Reply
    • Rosie Bragg says

      January 7, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      I loved it so much

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    May 14, 2018 at 9:17 am

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner last night and everyone loved it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Alex says

    March 1, 2012 at 2:46 am

    Great recipe. I’ve not only made this once but twice within the day I’ve read this post. Thanks to http://www.gourmandia.com who have accidentally redirected me to this site.

    Reply
  10. Tres Delicious says

    August 28, 2011 at 9:50 am

    That looks delish. I want it for a dinner treat with my hubby.

    Reply
  11. Lauren says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    5 stars
    What a pretty salad! Couscous is an awesome ingredient. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to try this out!

    Reply
  12. myFudo says

    August 26, 2011 at 9:16 am

    4 stars
    Haven’t tried couscous salad before, I’ll try it out. Looks delicious. Love your blog.

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 26, 2011 at 11:10 am

      Thank you. 🙂

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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