Bright, flavorful, and effortlessly fresh, the Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. This dish combines tender pearl couscous with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and zesty lemon, all elevated by savory Greek seasoning and a fragrant touch of fresh parsley. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side salad, or a welcoming dish at your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and plates with its delightful textures and sunny Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe is carefully chosen to create a balance of taste, texture, and color. The simplicity of these fresh and pantry staples makes it a breeze to whip up a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 3 cups cooked pearl couscous: Provides a fluffy, chewy base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil (good quality): Adds richness and helps bind the salad, plus brings out the freshness of the other ingredients.
- 1 lemon (juice): Lends bright acidity that lifts the entire salad, balancing the creamy feta and earthy chickpeas.
- 1 Tbsp. Greek seasoning: Infuses the dish with authentic Mediterranean herbs and spices for depth.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps each bite perfectly seasoned.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the fresh vegetables.
- 1 English cucumber or 3 cocktail (diced): Brings a cool, refreshing crunch to contrast the soft couscous.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (quartered): Provides juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup feta cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy element that’s absolutely essential in Mediterranean salads.
- 1 15-oz. can chickpeas (rinsed and drained): Adds heartiness and protein, making the salad more satisfying.
- ¼ red onion (finely diced): Gives a slight bite and crunch without overpowering the dish.
- 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings herbaceous freshness and gorgeous green color.
How to Make Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pearl Couscous
Start by cooking the pearl couscous on the stovetop according to the package instructions, usually simmering it in salted water until tender but still slightly chewy. Once cooked, drain any excess water and spread it out to cool; this helps prevent clumping and ensures a perfect texture in your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing and Coat the Couscous
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour this vibrant dressing over the cooled couscous and toss well so every grain is luxuriously coated. This step infuses the couscous with bright, zesty flavor that will marry beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables, Feta, and Chickpeas
Gently fold in the diced cucumber, quartered cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, rinsed chickpeas, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley into the couscous mixture. The combination of crunchy, creamy, and juicy elements creates a wonderful harmony of textures that keeps every bite exciting.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Allowing it to rest helps the flavors deepen and mingle, making each forkful more vibrant and satisfying. Just before serving, sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a final touch of freshness and a pop of color.
How to Serve Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Consider topping the salad with extra crumbled feta, a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or dill can also add an unexpected twist that complements the Mediterranean profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, seafood such as shrimp or salmon, or even alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a full Mediterranean feast. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it a perfect side that won’t overpower but rather enhance your main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little playful, serve the salad stuffed inside hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers for a charming appetizer. You can also serve it atop a bed of mixed greens, or on crisp lettuce leaves as individual bites. This versatility makes the Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe a great crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop but the vegetables will remain crisp, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or as a ready-made side at dinner.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can alter the texture of the feta and fresh vegetables, causing them to become watery or mushy. To maintain the best quality, avoid freezing this particular salad.
Reheating
Since this Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving or enjoy it straight from the fridge for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
Regular couscous can be used, but the texture will be different since pearl couscous has a chewier, more substantial bite that holds up nicely in this salad. If you do use regular couscous, just be sure not to overcook it so it doesn’t become mushy.
Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free or milder option, try using crumbled goat cheese or a firm tofu marinated in lemon and herbs. These alternatives still provide creaminess and a bit of tang without overpowering the other flavors.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or extra chickpeas for added protein. The salad remains fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without any dairy.
How long can I let the salad marinate?
The flavors really shine when the salad has at least 30 minutes to rest in the refrigerator, but it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience. Just keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the best way to rinse chickpeas?
Place the canned chickpeas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes excess salt and any canning liquid, making them taste fresher and less heavy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe—its combination of simple yet deeply satisfying ingredients makes it an instant favorite for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal prep dish or a colorful salad to brighten your table, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to dishes that friends and family keep asking for again and again.
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Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta & Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta and Tomatoes is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side. Combining tender pearl couscous with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and protein-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing with Greek seasoning, this salad delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors. It’s easy to prepare, served chilled, and ideal for summer gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 3 cups cooked pearl couscous
- 1 English cucumber or 3 cocktail cucumbers, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp. good quality olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 Tbsp. Greek seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp. salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pearl Couscous: Bring a pot of salted water to boil on the stovetop. Add the pearl couscous and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and spread on a tray to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined.
- Toss the Couscous: Add the cooled couscous to the dressing bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add the Salad Ingredients: Gently fold in the diced cucumber, quartered cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, rinsed chickpeas, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The salad can also be stored overnight for enhanced taste.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for extra freshness and garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the salad a few hours ahead or the night before serving.
- You can substitute pearl couscous with regular couscous but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add olives or roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy meal prep option.
