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
Scale
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.
