Ultimate Summer Couscous Salad with Roasted Corn & Avocado

Summer Couscous Salad brings a vibrant burst of flavor to your table, featuring succulent roasted corn, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all harmoniously blended with chewy pearl couscous and tossed in an exquisite, tangy dressing. This is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of summer’s freshest produce, designed to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Summer Couscous Salad

As soon as the summer sun makes its grand appearance, my kitchen transforms into a hub for fresh, light, and utterly flavor-packed salads. And among all the delightful concoctions, couscous salads have consistently held a special place in our hearts. They’re quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and offer a satisfying texture that stands apart from leafy greens.

We’ve received rave reviews for our Greek Couscous Salad, Italian Salad, and Chickpea Salad, which are all beloved reader favorites. This particular Summer Couscous Salad is poised to join those ranks, offering a unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that capture the essence of the season. Packed with peak-season ingredients and coated in the most incredible homemade dressing, it’s truly a must-make dish that will become a staple in your warm-weather recipe collection.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance: the chewiness of the pearl couscous, the satisfying pop of roasted corn, the bright acidity of cherry tomatoes, the lush creaminess of avocado, and the subtle tang of mozzarella pearls, all brought together by a zesty white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Your Summer Couscous Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture profile.

• Pearl Couscous: The Perfect Foundation: Often called Israeli couscous, these delightful tiny pasta pearls are made from semolina, giving the salad a satisfying chewy texture that’s crucial to its appeal. Unlike regular (Moroccan) couscous, which is much finer, pearl couscous holds its shape beautifully and provides a wonderful mouthfeel. It’s like small, perfectly round pasta!
• Sweet Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with natural sweetness and juiciness, cherry tomatoes add a vibrant color and a delightful pop of flavor. For the best results, quarter larger ones or simply halve smaller varieties to ensure they blend seamlessly into each bite.
• Creamy Avocado: Avocado brings a luxurious creaminess and healthy fats to the salad, balancing the other textures and flavors. When selecting an avocado, look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure (similar to the tip of your nose), but isn’t mushy. Perfectly ripe avocados are key for that silky texture.
• Mini Mozzarella Pearls: These small, delicate balls of fresh mozzarella add a soft, milky richness and a delightful visual element. While optional, they introduce a wonderful creamy texture and a mild, fresh dairy note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you can’t find pearls, small diced fresh mozzarella will also work.
• The Versatile Corn: Sweet corn is a quintessential summer ingredient, lending a sunny color and irresistible sweetness. Whether you choose fresh, frozen, or canned, the way you prepare it can significantly impact the salad’s overall flavor. We’ll delve into preparation methods below!
• Fresh Herbs: A scattering of fresh basil or cilantro adds an aromatic lift and brightens the entire dish. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs to elevate a simple salad to gourmet status.

Understanding Couscous: A Quick Guide

Couscous, at its heart, is a type of pasta made from semolina. While often mistaken for a grain, it’s technically pasta cut into tiny pieces. Pearl couscous, specifically, features larger, spherical granules that cook up quickly and provide a fantastic textural contrast in salads. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent canvas for vibrant dressings and fresh vegetables.

Elevate Your Corn: Preparation Methods

The corn is a star in this Summer Couscous Salad, and how you prepare it can significantly enhance its flavor. You can choose fresh, frozen, or canned corn, depending on what’s available and your preferred taste. The key is to ensure the corn is fully cooled before integrating it into the salad to prevent wilting other ingredients and maintain a fresh texture.

• Raw Corn: Pure Freshness: For the quickest and freshest option, simply slice the kernels straight off the cob. This method offers a crisp bite and vibrant, uncooked sweetness that’s delightful in a summer salad.
• Pan-Charred Corn: Smoky Sweetness: This method brings out a deeper, caramelized sweetness and a hint of smoky flavor. Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter or a neutral oil in a hot pan over medium-high heat. Add your frozen or canned corn (thawed if frozen) and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are beautifully browned and slightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then allow it to cool completely before adding to the salad.
• Grilled Corn: Backyard Flavor: For an authentic backyard BBQ taste, grilling the corn is an excellent choice. Husk fresh corn cobs, brush them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt. Grill at 400°F (200°C), turning every 3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and exhibit appealing grill marks (about 12 minutes total). Let the cobs cool before carefully cutting the kernels off. This method imparts a fantastic smoky depth that elevates the entire salad.

Crafting the Perfect White Balsamic Vinaigrette

A phenomenal salad deserves an equally phenomenal dressing, and this light, bright, and incredibly tasty vinaigrette is the ideal complement to our Summer Couscous Salad. It’s effortlessly simple to make – just combine all the ingredients in a jar, give it a good shake, and it’s ready! You can even prepare it in advance, just remember to shake it vigorously right before using.

• White Balsamic Vinegar: The Secret Touch: This vinegar is lighter in color and flavor, and subtly sweeter than traditional dark balsamic vinegar. It provides a gentle tang without overpowering the delicate ingredients of the salad. It’s also distinct from white vinegar, offering a more nuanced acidity.
• Premium Olive Oil: Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is paramount here. Its fruity notes and smooth texture form the backbone of the dressing, contributing richness and a healthy dose of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: A Flavorful Emulsifier: Dijon mustard (like Grey Poupon®) is essential for adding a piquant kick and, more importantly, acting as an emulsifier to help bind the oil and vinegar together, creating a smooth, cohesive dressing. Avoid yellow mustard, as its flavor profile is entirely different.
• Dried Basil: Dried basil infuses the dressing with a soft, aromatic herbaceousness that pairs beautifully with summer vegetables. If you prefer, Italian seasoning makes an excellent substitute, offering a slightly more complex herb blend.
• Honey: Balancing Sweetness: Honey introduces a touch of natural sweetness that beautifully balances the acidity of the vinegar. You can adjust the amount to your preference – use a little more for a sweeter dressing, or less for a tangier kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these simple additions bring all the flavors into harmony. Always taste and adjust to your liking.

Customize Your Summer Couscous Salad: Delicious Variations & Additions

This Summer Couscous Salad is incredibly versatile and serves as a fantastic base for customization. While perfect on its own, adding protein can transform it into a more substantial meal.

• Boost with Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious addition. A lemon-herb flavored rotisserie chicken would be especially tasty. Alternatively, prepare some grilled chicken breasts, chop them, and mix them in. Remember: if you’re adding a generous amount of chicken, you might want to increase the dressing quantity to ensure every bite remains flavorful and well-coated.
  • Shrimp: Grilled or pan-seared shrimp would add a light, summery seafood element.
  • Chickpeas or White Beans: For a vegetarian or vegan option, roasted chickpeas or canned cannellini beans add a hearty texture and protein.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta would introduce a salty, tangy counterpoint that’s characteristic of Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegetable & Herb Enhancements:
  • Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Red Onion: Finely diced red onion can provide a sharp, pungent kick (consider soaking in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce harshness).
  • Bell Peppers: Any color bell pepper, finely diced, will add sweetness and crunch.
  • Olives: Sliced Kalamata or green olives offer a briny, savory depth.
  • Fresh Parsley or Mint: Beyond basil and cilantro, fresh parsley or a touch of mint can brighten the flavor profile further.
• Nutty Twists:
  • Toasted Pine Nuts: Add a delicate, buttery crunch.
  • Toasted Almonds or Pistachios: For a more substantial crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage Tips for Your Summer Couscous Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delightful salad to its fullest. Due to the presence of avocado and the nature of dressing, some considerations are important:

• Once Dressed: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Once dressed, it doesn’t keep well for extended periods. The avocado will begin to brown, and the fresh vegetables may soften and lose their crispness. We recommend serving it immediately after dressing.
• For Leftovers: If you anticipate having leftovers or want to prepare this salad for meal prep, the best strategy is to only dress the portion you plan to eat right away.
• Undressed Storage: Stored undressed in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the components of this salad will remain fresh for 1-2 days before they begin to lose their optimal texture. Keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving to prevent browning.

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5 out of 5 stars from 3 votes.

Summer Couscous Salad

By
Chelsea Lords

Summer Couscous Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor! Featuring roasted corn, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a delightful white balsamic dressing—it’s incredibly good and perfect for any summer occasion!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Video

Equipment

• Medium pan

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous (see note 1)
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (10.5-ounces)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese pearls
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil or cilantro, optional)

Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (see note 2)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1-1/2 tablespoons honey (see note 3)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the pearl couscous according to package directions (see note 4). Once cooked, spread it out and allow it to cool completely.
2. In a dry pan over medium heat, cook the frozen corn until thawed and lightly roasted, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, grill the corn for added flavor as described in the “Elevate Your Corn” section. Let it cool completely.
3. Add all dressing ingredients (olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, dried basil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) to a jar. Cover tightly and shake until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. If the honey is stubborn, stir with a spoon. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous and corn. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, diced avocado, and fresh herbs (if using).
5. If serving immediately, drizzle with dressing to taste (you may not need all of it) and gently toss to combine. If saving a portion of the salad for later, only dress what you plan to eat now to maintain freshness. Enjoy this vibrant summer salad!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, features larger, round pasta balls that provide the ideal chewy texture for this salad. Regular, finer Moroccan couscous will not yield the same result.

Note 2: White balsamic vinegar is distinct from both regular balsamic vinegar and white vinegar. It is milder, slightly sweeter, and possesses a clear, light golden color, which prevents discoloration of light-colored ingredients in your salad.

Note 3: For a less sweet dressing, start with 1 tablespoon of honey and gradually add more to reach your desired level of sweetness.

Note 4: Here’s a recommended method for cooking pearl couscous to perfection:

• 1 tbsp butter (optional)
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ tsp salt

If desired, toast the pearl couscous in butter or a little olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil, then add the toasted couscous and salt. Return to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork. Let cool completely before adding to the salad.

Storage: As mentioned above, once dressed, this salad is best consumed fresh. Avocado will brown and vegetables may soften. To prolong freshness, store the salad components undressed and combine with dressing just before serving. Undressed, it remains fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving
|

Calories: 449kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 51g
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Protein: 11g
|

Fat: 24g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
|

Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
|

Cholesterol: 5mg
|

Sodium: 40mg
|

Potassium: 646mg
|

Fiber: 7g
|

Sugar: 7g
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Vitamin A: 654IU
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Vitamin C: 34mg
|

Calcium: 79mg
|

Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

More Refreshing Salad Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy salad ideas, be sure to check out some of our other popular recipes:

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Summer Couscous Salad as much as we do. It’s a truly perfect dish for celebrating the sun-drenched days with fresh, wholesome flavors. Don’t forget to share your experience and leave a comment below!