Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Our Mediterranean Couscous Salad is perfect for summer! This quick salad features pearl couscous, fresh veggies, feta cheese, olives, and a tangy lemon olive oil dressing. Great for meal prep and prepped lunches, this delicious couscous salad is a must-try for any occasion.
Looking for a fresh and delicious option to add to your summer meal rotation? Our Mediterranean couscous salad, made with Israeli couscous, is just the thing!
This salad is a standout among couscous recipes, combining the texture of pearl couscous with a medley of fresh vegetables, olives, and a bright lemon olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for those who love quick meals and easy lunch meal prep.
This summer couscous salad is a great option for meal prep since it’s light, flavorful, and full of fresh flavors.
We’ve added crunchy small cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and briny Kalamata olives to create the perfect bite.
The crumbled feta cheese adds a nice creamy texture, while fresh mint leaves provide a subtle herbal note.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a family barbecue, or need a quick and easy prepped lunch option, this salad fits the bill.
It’s quick to assemble—just cook the couscous, chop the veggies, mix everything with the lemon olive oil dressing, and you’re set!
Looking for another couscous recipe? Try our summer vegetable couscous!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mediterranean couscous salad as a light main dish or a hearty side. It’s especially delicious alongside grilled chicken or seafood.
Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach right before serving for an extra boost of greens.
Storage Tips
Store the summer couscous salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
If you’re using this salad for meal prep, it’s best to add the fresh mint and basil just before serving to prevent them from wilting. Before enjoying, give the salad a quick refresh with a little extra lemon herb dressing to brighten the flavors and keep it tasting fresh.
Other Salad Recipes to Try
Ingredients
For the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 ½ cups pearl couscous, cooked to package directions
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved or quartered
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- ½ cup lemon herb vinaigrette, (recipe below)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.¼ cup extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon white wine vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1 teaspoon honey2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basilSalt and pepper
To Make the Salad:
- Cook the pearl couscous according to package directions. Drain and place in a large bowl to cool slightly.1 ½ cups pearl couscous
- Heat a small skillet over low heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing every couple of minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.¼ cup chopped walnuts
- To the bowl of cooked couscous, add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, diced red bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, red onion, and fresh mint.½ cup cherry tomatoes½ cup Kalamata olives½ cup diced cucumber½ cup diced red bell pepper½ cup crumbled feta cheese¼ cup finely diced red onion2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Pour the lemon herb vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.½ cup lemon herb vinaigretteSalt and pepper
- Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 cup of couscous salad. Actual calories will vary.
- Recipe makes approximately 6 cups depending on the exact amount of ingredients used.
- For meal prep, add fresh mint and basil just before serving to prevent wilting. Refresh the salad with a little extra lemon herb dressing before enjoying to freshen it up.
- See our nutrition disclaimer.