Description

A vibrant and refreshing Couscous Salad featuring five fresh ingredients and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This quick and easy recipe combines fluffy couscous with crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy red onion, all tossed with fresh parsley and a simple homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare couscous: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of couscous with 1 1/4 cups boiling water, then cover the bowl and let the couscous sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to absorb the water and become tender.
Fluff couscous: After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous gently, breaking up any clumps and ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
Add vegetables and herbs: Mix in the diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley into the fluffed couscous.
Make dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until well combined to create a light, tangy dressing.
Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetables, then toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the salad with dressing.
Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference and mix gently.
Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator or serve immediately at room temperature, making it a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion.

Notes

To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
For extra flavor, add a handful of crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.
This salad is versatile; feel free to substitute parsley with fresh mint or cilantro.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
Adjust the amount of olive oil and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.