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To make the Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 ½ cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ½ cup fresh mint, chopped - Juice of 1 fresh lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnishing) You can customize your salad with these optional ingredients: - Avocado, diced for creaminess - Olives, sliced for a briny kick - Chickpeas for added protein - Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor Each ingredient in this salad brings its own benefits: - Couscous is light and fluffy. It's quick to prepare and full of carbs for energy. - Cherry tomatoes add bright color and antioxidants, supporting overall health. - Cucumber provides hydration and crunch, making the salad refreshing. - Bell pepper is sweet and packed with vitamins A and C. - Red onion gives a mild bite and contains anti-inflammatory properties. - Parsley and mint add fresh flavor and help with digestion. - Lemon juice brightens the dish and is high in vitamin C. - Olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances flavor. - Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty touch (if you choose to use it). These ingredients work together to create a tasty and healthy salad. Enjoy the mix of flavors and colors! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to boil the vegetable broth in a medium pot over medium heat. Once it bubbles, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the couscous and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the couscous can absorb the broth. After that, use a fork to fluff the couscous. This helps break apart any clumps. Then, transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool down. When the couscous has cooled, it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced bell pepper. You can pick either a red or yellow pepper for a sweet touch. Then, add in the finely chopped red onion. Mix everything well so the flavors blend. This colorful mix will make your salad pop! Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon. Add in the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it's well blended. Drizzle this zesty dressing over the couscous salad. Gently toss everything together to coat all the ingredients. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley and mint. Be gentle so the herbs stay fresh and bright. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy finish. To fluff couscous, you start by letting it soak. After boiling the broth, stir in the couscous. Cover the pan and wait five minutes. Then, take a fork and gently scrape through the couscous. This breaks up clumps. You want light, airy grains. Fluffing is key to a nice texture. You can serve this salad as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a colorful plate, add sliced avocado or roasted veggies. You can also use it as a filling in wraps. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley for a fresh look. To boost flavor, always taste and adjust. Add more lemon juice for zing. A pinch of salt or pepper can bring out the best in the salad. For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well. Mix and match to find your favorite taste. Pro Tips Use the Right Broth: For a more intense flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. This will enhance the overall taste of your salad. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after mixing. This will help the flavors meld together and create a more refreshing dish. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to give the salad a unique twist based on your preference. Texture Matters: For added crunch, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds to your salad before serving. {{image_4}} You can make this salad even heartier by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp work great. Simply grill or sauté them before mixing them in. If you want a plant-based option, consider adding chickpeas. They pack a punch of protein and add a nice texture. Feel free to mix up the veggies to suit your taste. You could add diced carrots or zucchini for a crunchy bite. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or even sweet potatoes can add a sweet flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand! To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative. You can still achieve a creamy texture by adding avocado. Just dice it and mix it in gently. This keeps the salad fresh and flavorful without dairy. When you have leftover Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. Avoid letting it sit out for too long. You want to keep the flavors in and bacteria out. If you can, eat the salad within a few days. This way, you can enjoy its bright taste. Freezing couscous salad is not the best idea. The veggies may get mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the fresh herbs and veggies. Instead, freeze only the couscous and dressing. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, add fresh veggies and herbs before serving. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture. If you see or smell something unusual, it’s best to toss it. Keeping it in an airtight container helps it last longer. Enjoy your delicious salad while it’s still fresh! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. The flavors blend well when it sits. I recommend making it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, give it a good stir. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you don't have couscous, try quinoa or bulgur wheat. Both are great alternatives. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor, while bulgur is quick to cook. You can also use rice for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. These additions will spice up your salad without losing its fresh taste. This blog post covers all you need for a delicious Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. We explored key ingredients and their benefits, outlined step-by-step instructions, shared helpful tips, and discussed variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can customize this salad with proteins or veggies. Store your leftovers properly for the best flavor. With these insights, making this salad can be fun and easy. Enjoy creating your tasty dish!

Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

A refreshing salad featuring couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 whole fresh lemon, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crumbled feta cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool down completely.
  • Once the couscous has cooled, incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion into the bowl, mixing well.
  • In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the couscous salad and gently toss everything together.
  • Fold in the chopped parsley and mint, mixing lightly to maintain the integrity of the fresh herbs.
  • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Serve in a colorful bowl and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Keyword couscous, fresh herbs, lemon, salad, vegetarian