Summer Couscous Salad
Summer couscous salad is a light, colorful twist on pasta salad, packed with fresh vegetables, tender couscous, herbs, and a bright, zesty dressing. This easy make ahead salad is vibrant, full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, meal prep, and warm weather dinners.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups couscous not Israeli/pearl couscous
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced (white & green parts)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved lengthwise
- 1 lemon zested
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Add the broth to a medium sized skillet and bring it to a boil.2 cups chicken broth
- Once boiling stir in the couscous, cover the pot, then immediately remove it from heat. Let rest for 5 minutes.1 1/2 cups couscous
- Fluff the couscous with a fork, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl, and let rest while it finishes cooling completely.
- Add the oil, vinegar, red pepper, salt, paprika, and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk together until evenly combined.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp pepper
- Pour the vinaigrette over the cooled couscous, and toss until evenly combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl, then gently toss just until evenly incorporated.1 bunch green onions, 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 lemon, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not actually put the couscous over the heat.
- You can serve this as soon as it's finished at room temperature or put it in the fridge for an hour and serve it chilled. Whichever you prefer.
- This is one of those salads that definitely tastes better if it has a chance to sit for a bit. Because of this, you can make it ahead of time.
- Want to fill it out a little more? Add a can of drained, rinsed chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, or even grilled chicken.