Healthy and Delicious Mediterranean Couscous Salad
An Unfamiliar Yet Charming Grain: Perfectly Utilize Couscous with this Super Simple ‘Couscous Salad’ Recipe!
Couscous, a beloved healthy ingredient from North Africa! If you’ve heard the name but hesitated on how to cook it, try this basic couscous salad recipe for an easy and delicious experience. The harmony of fresh vegetables and zesty dressing is exceptional.
Salad Ingredients
- Couscous 1 cup (standard paper cup size)
- 1 small onion
- 1 avocado
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 lemon
- Vegetable granules (for stock/broth) 1 Tbsp
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Pinch of pepper (freshly ground)
- Olive oil 1 Tbsp
- Parsley flakes 1 tsp
Optional Ingredients (Flavor Boost!)
- Canned chickpeas 2 Tbsp
- 5 green olives
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- Canned chickpeas 2 Tbsp
- 5 green olives
- 4 fresh basil leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh ingredients for the salad. Have a small onion, a ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon ready. Feel free to add other vegetables you like.
Step 2
Since couscous is cooked by soaking rather than boiling, you’ll need to prepare a liquid to add flavor. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of vegetable granules (or chicken/vegetable stock) in 1 cup of water. If you don’t have vegetable granules, it’s okay to omit this.
Step 3
Place 1 cup of couscous into a wide bowl suitable for mixing the salad. Pour the prepared vegetable broth evenly over the couscous.
Step 4
Lightly cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid and soften. This process gently cooks the couscous.
Step 5
While the couscous is soaking, finely chop the vegetables for the salad into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice or thinly slice the onion, and cut the avocado and cherry tomatoes into about 1cm cubes.
Step 6
After 20 to 30 minutes, check on the hydrated couscous. It should have absorbed the liquid and become fluffy.
Step 7
Ensure the couscous is not too mushy, but rather light and crumbly, similar to fine breadcrumbs. If it seems too moist, you can lightly drain it in a sieve.
Step 8
Now, add all the chopped vegetables to the couscous bowl. If you’re using optional ingredients like chickpeas, olives, or basil, adding them will create a richer flavor profile.
Step 9
To add a touch of freshness, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the ingredients. The bright acidity of the lemon will balance the flavors.
Step 10
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Olive oil helps to meld the flavors smoothly and enhances the overall taste.
Step 11
For basic seasoning, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and three small pinches of pepper. Freshly ground pepper will add a wonderful aroma.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of parsley flakes over the top. If you have fresh basil or parsley, finely chopping and adding them will significantly boost the fragrance.
Step 13
Gently mix all the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, such as adding more salt or lemon juice, according to your preference. Chill it in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing and delicious meal!
