Couscous Mediterranean Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly blends fluffy couscous with crunchy toasted almonds, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and crisp fresh vegetables. This exquisite combination is brought together by a zesty, homemade lemon dressing, creating a truly irresistible and healthy meal. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a perfect side dish, or a show-stopping potluck contribution, this salad is guaranteed to impress.
author’s note
This Couscous Salad Has a Fan Club!
It’s no secret that I love incorporating wholesome grains into my salads to create hearty, satisfying meals. While quinoa often takes center stage in my kitchen – with favorites like Caprese Quinoa Salad, Thai Quinoa Salad, and Sweet Potato-Quinoa Salad being on constant rotation – today, I’m thrilled to switch things up and highlight the versatility of couscous!
This isn’t my first venture into the world of couscous salads. My Greek Couscous Salad has quickly become one of the most popular recipes on the site this year, proving that I’m definitely not alone in my love for a substantial, flavor-packed salad. The ease and speed of preparing couscous make it an ideal base for countless delicious creations.
The inspiration for this particular Mediterranean Couscous Salad came directly from a personal experience. When I first tested this recipe, my sister visited and tasted it straight from my kitchen. She was absolutely smitten, raving about its fresh flavors and satisfying texture. She even snapped a quick photo of my handwritten recipe notes and whipped it up the very next day for a dinner party she was hosting. After receiving a flood of requests from her guests for the recipe, she insisted that I had to share it with everyone. So, here it is, perfected and ready for you to enjoy, straight from my notebook to your table!
This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a testament to simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s perfect for meal prepping, entertaining, or simply enjoying a nutritious and delicious meal any day of the week. Prepare to add this Mediterranean Couscous Salad to your list of go-to recipes!
Key Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Crafting the perfect Mediterranean Couscous Salad starts with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the vibrant flavors and delightful textures that make this salad a true standout.
- Couscous: Opt for small (Moroccan) couscous for the best texture in this salad. It cooks incredibly fast, often in 10 minutes or less, making it an ideal base for quick meals. Its light, fluffy texture absorbs flavors beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a tender, slightly sweet, and earthy note to the salad. Remember to chop it roughly. This ensures it integrates well with the couscous and other ingredients, making each bite balanced and easy to enjoy. Spinach also boosts the nutritional profile with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are a flavor powerhouse! For the best results, choose sun-dried tomatoes that are julienne-cut and packed in olive oil with herbs. They infuse the salad with an intense, sweet-tart flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. Avoid the dry-packed varieties, as they often require rehydration and lack the rich herbaceous oils.
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers (or mini cucumbers) are highly recommended. They have thinner skins, fewer seeds, and a firmer texture compared to regular cucumbers, which can be overly watery and less flavorful. Their crispness adds a refreshing element that perfectly balances the richer ingredients.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan unlocks their full aromatic potential, adding depth to the salad. If you’re short on time or prefer a sweeter note, store-bought candied or honey-roasted almonds are excellent shortcuts that add another layer of complexity.
- Feta Cheese (Optional but Recommended): Crumbled feta cheese introduces a tangy, salty, and creamy element that enhances the Mediterranean profile. Its briny notes complement the sun-dried tomatoes and lemon dressing beautifully, making it a highly recommended addition for those who enjoy dairy.
The Zesty Lemon Dressing: A Flavorful Star
The star of this Mediterranean Couscous Salad is undoubtedly its vibrant lemon dressing. This tangy yet subtly sweet vinaigrette is crafted with a harmonious blend of Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, aromatic dried basil, a touch of red wine vinegar, and rich olive oil. It’s incredibly fresh, bright, and versatile, making it perfect not only for this salad but also for drizzling over roasted vegetables or as a delightful dip.
- Dress Gradually: Always start by adding a small amount of dressing to your Couscous Mediterranean Salad and gradually add more until it reaches your desired flavor intensity. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and allows you to control the balance of flavors.
- Fresh Lemons are Key: For the most invigorating and bright flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The difference between fresh and bottled juice is significant. For an extra aromatic boost, don’t hesitate to add some lemon zest to the dressing.
- Versatile Extra Dressing: If you have any leftover dressing, don’t let it go to waste! It stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to a week. Use it to elevate roasted vegetables, as a marinade for chicken or fish, or simply as a zesty dip for crusty bread.
Quick Tip for Dressing Consistency
If your lemon dressing solidifies slightly in the refrigerator due to the olive oil, simply let it sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then give it a vigorous shake. It will return to its smooth, pourable consistency.
Customize Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad
One of the best aspects of this Mediterranean Couscous Salad is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to make this salad uniquely yours:
- Boost with Protein: For a more substantial meal, easily incorporate your favorite protein. Delicious options include shredded grilled chicken, tender air-fried chickpeas for a plant-based protein, or creamy white beans. These additions turn the salad into a complete main course.
- Couscous Alternatives: While couscous is wonderful, you can certainly swap it out for other grains. Fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even farro would work beautifully, offering different textures and nutritional profiles.
- Nutty Variations: If almonds aren’t your preference, or you simply want to try something new, feel free to leave them out. Toasted walnuts or pecans can offer a different depth of flavor and crunch. For a nut-free option, try toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Tomato Options: Instead of sun-dried tomatoes, or in addition to them, fresh cherry tomatoes cut in half add a burst of juicy sweetness and a different kind of freshness. Roasted cherry tomatoes would also be exceptional.
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and complexity with extra vegetables. Marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, fire-roasted red peppers, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or even blanched asparagus spears would be excellent additions.
- Creaminess Factor: Elevate the texture and flavor by adding creamy elements. Cubed avocado offers a rich, buttery counterpoint, while extra crumbled feta cheese will intensify the savory, briny notes. A dollop of hummus or a swirl of tahini could also add an interesting creaminess.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This versatile Mediterranean Couscous Salad makes an excellent standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary mains and sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Seafood Delights: The light and fresh flavors of the salad complement seafood wonderfully. Serve it alongside perfectly seasoned blackened shrimp, flaky grilled salmon, or tender baked cod for a truly Mediterranean-inspired feast.
- Warm Bread & Dips: A classic pairing for any Mediterranean meal. Offer warm flatbread, soft pita bread, or crusty artisanal bread for scooping up the salad and soaking up any delicious dressing. A side of hummus or tzatziki would also be fantastic.
- Comforting Soups: For a lighter meal or during cooler weather, pair the salad with a comforting soup. A vibrant roasted tomato-basil soup or a hearty creamy vegetable soup would make a wonderful accompaniment.
- Hearty Stuffed Peppers: Serve this salad as a refreshing side to savory stuffed bell peppers, often filled with ground meat, rice, and herbs. The flavors will beautifully intertwine.
- Flavorful Main Courses: If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying main, this salad pairs perfectly with a robust dish like my One Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies. The savory sausage and roasted vegetables create a harmonious balance with the fresh salad.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Leftovers
For optimal freshness and texture, it’s important to note that this Couscous Mediterranean Salad does not store well once fully dressed. The dressing tends to soften the spinach, couscous, and almonds, compromising their crispness and fluffiness.
To enjoy leftovers and for effective meal prepping: Always store the salad components and the lemon dressing separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine a portion of the cooled couscous and vegetables with the desired amount of dressing and almonds. This method ensures that every serving is as fresh, crunchy, and flavorful as the first. The undressed salad components can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the dressing separately for up to a week.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore:
Salads
Italian Chopped Salad (CPK Copycat)
Salads
Olive Garden Salad
Salads
Tuna And White Bean Salad
Green Salads
Mango Salad
Print Recipe
Couscous Mediterranean Salad
Chelsea Lords
15
15
6 servings
Recipe Video
Watch our step-by-step video guide to see how easily this delicious Mediterranean Couscous Salad comes together! (Video content removed as per instructions)
Equipment
- Medium pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Mason jar or small bowl for dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup small (Moroccan) couscous (see Note 1)
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes coarsely chopped, packed in olive oil (see Note 2)
- 2 cups English or Persian cucumber coined and halved (see Note 3)
- 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach coarsely chopped, approximately 6 cups
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds toasted or honey-roasted
- Feta cheese optional, crumbled for serving
- 2 lemons for juice and zest
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Couscous: Cook the couscous according to the package directions. Ensure you add the suggested amount of salt, usually around 1/4 teaspoon, to the cooking liquid for best flavor. Once cooked, fluff with a fork to separate the grains, then spread it out on a baking sheet or plate to cool completely. Refrigerating it will speed up the cooling process.
- Prep the Vegetables: While the couscous cools, coarsely chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Slice the English or Persian cucumbers into coins, then halve them. Coarsely chop the baby spinach to ensure it mixes well and is easy to eat.
- Optional – Toast Almonds: For enhanced flavor, add sliced almonds to a dry pan (without oil) over medium-high heat. Stir constantly every 15 seconds for 1–3 minutes until they turn slightly golden and become fragrant. Be vigilant, as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat immediately and let cool.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: Zest one of the lemons to yield about 1 teaspoon of zest (optional, but recommended for extra flavor). Juice both lemons to get approximately 3 tablespoons of fresh juice. In a mason jar or a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and dried basil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to your personal taste. Secure the lid (if using a jar) and shake vigorously, or whisk well, to combine all ingredients until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use, and give it another good shake or whisk just before dressing the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the coarsely chopped baby spinach. Top with the cooled, fluffed couscous and toss gently to combine. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and toasted almonds. Pour the desired amount of lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss again until all ingredients are evenly coated. If using, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Note 2 – Sun-Dried Tomatoes Selection: My favorite sun-dried tomatoes are typically sliced (julienne cut) and packed in olive oil with herbs. This variety offers superior flavor and moisture without needing extra preparation.
Note 3 – Cucumber Choices: English or Persian cucumbers (also known as salad or mini cucumbers) are preferred for their superior flavor, thin skin, and lower water content. Regular cucumbers are less ideal due to their often watery and blander taste.
Storage: For the freshest experience and to ensure delicious leftovers, it’s highly recommended to store the salad ingredients (couscous, vegetables, feta) and the dressing separately. Only add the toasted almonds and dressing to the portion of salad you intend to eat immediately. This method prevents the salad from becoming soggy and keeps the components crisp and vibrant for longer.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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