Greek Couscous Salad

If you are looking for a refreshing, vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-pull-off dish to serve, a Greek Couscous Salad is for you. This salad has a Mediterranean flavour and a medley of raw veggies, tangy feta cheese, olives, and a lemony dressing. It works as a side or light main course and is also great at a picnic or barbecue.

Greek Couscous Salad Whether you need a healthy lunch or are just looking for an easy dinner, Greek Couscous Salad will make you happy. It is a wholesome and refreshing meal. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Greek Couscous Salad is a Must-Try Dish

Greek Couscous Salad is a great, healthy, fragrant dish that could fit in with almost any party. This salad will be your favourite recipe now with fresh veggies and a dazzle of some zesty dressing.

It’s simple to prepare, nutrient-dense and can be tailored to fit your eating style. If you’re looking for a side dish, something for your main course, or meal prep muscle, Greek Couscous Salad will bring freshness and Mediterranean-inspired flavours to you! Use it today and taste the delicious healthy goodness at the table!

Greek Couscous salad: Nutrient bombshell

Greek Couscous Salad is not only a flavorful meal but also provides lots of nutrients that can result in a balanced and healthy diet. Let’s go through the health benefits of some of the essential ingredients:

• Couscous:

Couscous is a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates that give the body energy. It is also high in fibre, which is beneficial for digestion and supports a healthy gut. Also, couscous is high in B vitamins, increasing energy levels and supporting metabolism.

• Feta Cheese:

A staple of Greek cuisine, feta cheese is rich in protein and calcium, which fortify bones and muscles. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A, promoting healthy skin and an effective immune system.

• Olive Oil:

Healthy, monounsaturated fats found in the dressing’s olive oil aid in the body’s fight against inflammation. Antioxidants like vitamin E, which support skin wellness and defend against oxidative stress, are rich in it.

• For Vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.):

Greek Couscous Salad contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh veggies. Garlic, on the other hand, is one of the best sources of vitamin C, known to boost the immune system and protect the heart, and lycopene (in a glycoside form), which protects macular degeneration.

Cucumbers are hydrating and contain potassium, which aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure.Conversely, bell peppers are high in vitamin C, stimulating the immune system and increasing the body’s collagen manufacture.

• Olives:

Kalamata olives are high in healthy fats, especially oleic acid, which has been linked to helping the heart. They’re also chock-full of antioxidants that may help defend the body against inflammation and chronic disease.

Greek Couscous Salad: What You Will Need

For the Salad:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ¼ cups water or vegetable stock
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• One sliced cucumber
• one diced red bell pepper half
• ½ small red onion, diced finely
• 1/2 cup pitted, sliced Kalamata olives
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• One teaspoon of dried oregano or one tablespoon of freshly chopped oregano

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Greek Couscous Salad

• Cook the Couscous:

In a medium saucepan (or vegetable broth), bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the couscous and immediately remove it from the heat. Cover the pan and steam the couscous for 5 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Using a fork, fluff the couscous and allow it to cool to room temperature.

• Prepare the

As the couscous cools, prepare your vegetables. Step 1: Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper and onion. Split the cherry tomatoes and slice the olives.

• Prepare the dressing:

Combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and season it with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

• Assemble the salad:

After the couscous has cooled, fluff it again with a fork and add it to the large bowl with the vegetables. Add the dressing to the couscous and vegetable mixture and mix well.

• Add cheese and herbs:

Add the chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh oregano. If using dried oregano, sprinkle it over the salad at this point.

• Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Greek Couscous Salad immediately or let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Because this is a salad, the flavours will meld together beautifully over time, making it even better.

Five Reasons to Love Greek Couscous Salad: It Uses Only Four Ingredients, Is Perfect for Meal Prep, and More!

This Greek Couscous Salad is delicious and a great meal prep recipe. If you prefer to plan out the week ahead, this salad can help you free both time and energy, making it an ideal addition to your meal prep. Here’s why:

• Easy to Make in Bulk

It’s a simple, quick recipe that can be made in large batches. The entire recipe can be doubled or tripled and packed in individual containers for lunch or dinner all week. The couscous provides a hearty base, while the veggies and dressing bring refreshing flavours.

• Keeps Well in the Fridge

Greek Couscous Salad can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days so that you can eat it all week long. The salad can last a long time without losing texture or flavour. Plus, it tastes even better the longer it sits, as the flavours meld.

• No Need for Reheating

One of the great things about Greek Couscous Salad is that it can be served cold. It’s good to go straight from the fridge, whether taking it to work, school, or a picnic. These are ready to go—nothing to reheat!

A Mediterranean Greek Couscous Salad: A Recipe You Can Use Year-Round

How to Make Greek Couscous Salad: One of the best things about Greek Couscous Salad is that it is so customisable. It is an excellent dish for any time of the year and any occasion.

Greek Couscous Salad is perfect for summertime if you want something light and fresh or to feel hearty and satisfied during the winter. Here’s how to make the most of this salad in various seasons and circumstances:

• Summer: Light and Refreshing

This salad is the cold summer meal of my dreams, which takes no stove time to whip up. The cool cucumbers, firm tomatoes, and brisk lemon dressing are perfect counters to the heat. It’s also one of those ideal dishes for potlucks, picnics, or outdoor BBQs where you need something that works and is simple to eat.

Summer Pro Tip: Toss a few watermelon cubes into the salad for a refreshing sweetness. Watermelon is a surprising match for the tangy feta cheese and lemon dressing.

• The warmth of comfort in a hearty meal.

With cooler weather coming, Greek couscous salad can also be a meal that will warm you up. However, it can do even better if you load it with some roasted veggies like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and roasted carrots. These add a bit of warmth and earthiness, all while making the salad feel a bit more autumn-y but still light and wholesome.

Fall Pro Tip: Add some roasted root vegetables and a handful of arugula to make the salad heartier. The arugula’s peppery flavour works well with the tangy feta and olive oil-based dressing.

• Winter: A Wintery, Compassionate Meal

You can make the salad heartier in winter by adding roasted nuts, seeds, and protein-rich legumes such as chickpeas. Top it with a warm protein source, like grilled chicken or lamb, and it’ll be filling and satisfying on a cold day.

Winter Pro Tip: Toss in roasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds for crunch, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for richness and flavour.

• Whatever the fresh, seasonal start of spring may mean for you:

As spring brings asparagus, peas, young greens, and more, you can add just about all of them to this Greek Couscous Salad for a seasonal spin. Flavours of spring vegetables light up and brighten the dish, making it perfect for brunch, Easter celebrations, or simply a fresh weeknight dinner.

Spring Pro Tip: Throw in a handful of blanched asparagus or peas for colour and zing. The peas’ mild sweetness will play nicely with the salty feta and zesty olives.

Greek Couscous Salad Health Benefits:

The Greek couscous salad is also delicious and has so many health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of those essential nutrients:

• Fiber-Rich

Couscous is high in fibre, which aids digestion, balances blood sugar levels, and keeps you fuller for longer.

• Packed with Vitamins

The new vegetables {tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers} are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C — an essential for immune health, skin elasticity, and iron absorabsorptionealthy Fats.

The dressing contains olive oil, which offers healthy monounsaturated fats associated with heart health and reduced inflammation. The olives in the salad are also a source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

• Protein from Feta

The feta cheese contributes a small amount of protein and calcium, essential for muscle repair, bone health, and overall health. You can use a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether to make it vegan.

How to Serve Greek Couscous Salad

Greek Couscous Salad is substantial enough to be a dinner on its own, but it can also be served with several other dishes to create a more complete Mediterranean meal. Some excellent pairing ideas are:

• Grilled Meats:

Similarly, serve the salad with grilled meats such as poultry, lamb, or beef. The salad’s bright, fresh flavours contrast perfectly with the meats’ delicious flavors. Grilled lemon herb chicken or lamb chops are a tasty Mediterranean pairing.

• Hummus and Pita:

Greek Couscous Salad is also excellent with hummus and warm pita bread. You scoop the salad up with the pita or enjoy the hummus as a creamy side dip.

• Grilled Vegetables:

Grilled or roasted vegetables, including zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, work well with the flavours of the salad and make a great side dish. They give the dish a layer of smokiness that pairs nicely with the fresh ingredients.

Greek Couscous Salad for Various Dietary Restrictions

It’s simple to modify this recipe for many dietary requirements. This salad can be altered to suit you, whether you eat low-carb, low-fat, or high-protein.

• Tzatziki-Style Greek Couscous Salad (Low-Carb):

If you want to make it low-carb, swap the couscous for cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice has a couscous-like texture but is a low-carb substitute.

• Greek Couscous Salad (high-protein):

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg to this salad to increase the protein density. These extras will further fill the dish out and add good-quality protein.

• Low-fat Greek Couscous Salad:

To make this dish lower in fat, use reduced-fat feta or skip the cheese altogether. You can also use less olive oil or lighter vinegar in the dressing.

Vegan Mediterranean Couscous Salad

It could not be easier to make this salad vegan-friendly! Just replace the feta with a vegan cheese substitute or omit it entirely. And you can incorporate additional plant-based protein opportunities such as:

• Grilled Tofu

Grilled or pan-seared tofu boosts protein and complements the salad’s fresh vegetables. It takes on the dressing flavour and makes the dish feel hearty.

• Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas provide protein and crunch to your salad. They are delicious, but you can give them a spicy kick by seasoning them with your favourite spices, like garlic powder or paprika.

• Avocado

Slices of avocado are also an excellent addition. They add a slight creaminess to the salad and give it a good helping of fats, which makes it much heartier.

How Do You Make a Greek Couscous Salad Gluten-Free?

This salad could easily be made gluten-free by replacing the couscous with other grains if you’re on a gluten-free diet. Here are a few suggestions:

• Quinoa

Quinoa is a perfect replacement for couscous, and it happens to be gluten-free. It’s light and fluffy and provides nice, plant-based protein. The nutty flavour of quinoa marries wonderfully with the fresh flavours found in the Greek salad.

• Rice

To make this salad gluten-free, use brown or white rice instead of couscous. Rice, a choosily bland grain that soaks up flavours, adds a hearty texture to the salad.

• Chickpeas

For a rather unusual spin, you can make chickpeas the base of the salad. They’re naturally gluten-free, and they contribute a nice crunch and protein.

Storage: Greek Couscous Salad

It will remain fresh if you store it correctly for multiple days! Below are some storage tips to make sure it remains vibrant and delicious:

• In the Refrigerator

After making your salad, please keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 2–3 days. The couscous will soak up some of the dressing, and the vegetables will soften a bit, but it will still be great. The flavours in the salad will blossom and deepen as they lurk in the fridge, so it will be even better the next day.

• Keep The Dressing Separate

If you intend to save it for more than one meal, it’s worth storing the dressing separately to avoid soggy salad. When you’re ready to serve, mix the salad with the dressing before eating. Doing so will keep the vegetables crisp and the cabbage fluffy.

• Freezing Greek Couscous Salad

Couscous salads generally don’t freeze well, as the couscous will lose some of its texture. However, you can freeze the cooked couscous separately and thaw it when ready to assemble the salad. The fresh vegetables and feta cheese, though, do not freeze well. Those elements are best prepared fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the salad.

We love Mediterranean salads, and this simple Greek Couscous Salad is full of flavour, texture, and nutrition. This Mediterranean salad is versatile, easy to customize, and loaded with fibre and fats, perfect for sharing at a BBQ, meal prep, or light dinner. It can also be made gluten-free, vegan, or high-protein to suit various dietary needs.

It is a great salad to share with family and friends, and once you make it, it will become a staple in your salad repertoire. Serve it as a satisfying side or a one-dish, hearty, nutritious main.