Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Brighten your day with this lemony cous cous salad! Packed with veggies, feta, and a zesty vinaigrette, it's perfect as a side or light lunch. Get the easy recipe!

June 8, 2025
By Emily Torres.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever found yourself craving sunshine on a plate? This cous cous salad is exactly that! It's packed with vibrant flavours and will make you feel like you are on holiday.

Brief Overview

This mediterranean inspired cous cous salad is light and fresh. it's based on flavors of the mediterranean, it's a simple side dish recipes easy that's perfect for warm weather.

Originating in the north africa, but transported and reinvented for the western tastes, this salad it takes about 40 minutes to whip up.

This recipe yields 6 servings, so it's great for sharing or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits? this summer couscous salad is packed with healthy fats. it's also a fantastic option for a light lunch.

What makes it special? it is easily customizable and uses simple to obtain ingredients.

Ready to dive in and make some culinary magic? Let's get started!

Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Israeli (Pearl) Couscous (280g)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (720 ml), or water
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted or jarred, chopped (1 medium sized pepper)
• 1 English cucumber, diced (1 medium sized)
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (85g)
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (75g)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (75g)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60 ml)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (a good handful)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (a good handful)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.5g)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cous cous and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Add vegetable broth and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
• While the couscous is cooking, chop the roasted red pepper, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mint, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
• Pour the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the couscous mixture and gently toss to combine.
• For best flavour, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

What's the Deal with Pearl Couscous?

I remember the first time i saw pearl couscous. honestly, i thought it was some kind of tiny pasta. turns out, it is a type of pasta, but it's made from semolina.

We are using israeli cous cous in this recipe.

It's bigger and rounder than regular couscous, so it has a nice, chewy texture. i like to think of it as couscous's posh cousin.

It has a fantastic nutty flavour, especially when toasted.

Getting Started with Our Salad

Okay, let's talk ingredients. This Lemon Shrimp Couscous recipe is all about fresh, vibrant flavors. We're using:

• Couscous : 1 ½ cups of pearl couscous.
• Veggies : Red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
• Cheese : Crumbled feta.
• Dressing : Lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mint, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. It is a Lemon Herb Couscous Salad !

I love using roasted red peppers in this, they impart a beautiful touch that makes it stand out.

Crafting the Perfect Vinaigrette

Honestly, the vinaigrette is where the magic happens. don't skimp on the fresh herbs. the combination of lemon, parsley, and mint makes it so zesty and refreshing.

It is a lemon herb couscous .

I always add a little extra lemon juice. it gives the salad a lovely tang. this lemony couscous is amazing and adds a delightful zing to this salad! seriously, you'll be licking the bowl.

Don't tell anyone i said that. this moroccan couscous salad is easy to adapt to your tastes.

The Secret to Perfect Couscous

The key to perfect cous cous is toasting it first! Trust me on this. It brings out the nutty flavour and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan, add the couscous, and toast for 2- 3 minutes. then, add your broth (i prefer vegetable, it’s packed with flavour) and simmer until the couscous is tender.

Fluff it with a fork and you're good to go! then you are all set with a simple couscous recipes !

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of summer couscous ! seriously, this recipe is about to become your new best friend for barbecues, picnics, or just a lazy tuesday when you can’t be bothered with anything complicated.

Think of this lemon herb couscous salad as sunshine in a bowl.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break down what you’ll need, shall we? Don’t worry, it's all pretty straightforward. I promise.

Main Ingredients

First things first, the star of the show: cous cous . we're talking 1 ½ cups israeli (pearl) couscous (280g) . don’t get the tiny stuff.

You want the pearly kind, trust me. think of them like little flavour sponges. you’ll also need 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml) – good quality is key here, and 3 cups vegetable broth (720 ml) .

Water works in a pinch, but broth adds a depth that's just chef's kiss. and finally, ½ teaspoon salt (3g) .

Now for the veggies! we're bringing in the big guns: 1 red bell pepper (roasted and chopped). i highly suggest roasting your own, it's so worth the effort.

1 english cucumber (diced). this brings a freshness you won't believe, ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved), ½ cup red onion (finely chopped).

And the grand finale, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese . because, well, feta makes everything better.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, let's talk flavour! for the vinaigrette (the magic sauce), you'll need ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60 ml) . don't even think about using the bottled stuff.

Fresh is best! then ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml) (again, go for quality!). 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons fresh mint, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g), ½ teaspoon salt (3g), and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.

5g) . this combo is like a party in your mouth! honestly, even the simplest couscous recipes are elevated by this flavour profile.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! If you like Moroccan Couscous you can add some cumin or coriander.

Equipment Needed

Don't stress, you probably already have everything. you'll need a large saucepan with lid , some mixing bowls (various sizes), a whisk , a chopping board , a chef's knife , and measuring cups and spoons .

You know, the usual suspects. honestly, if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. we're not aiming for michelin star here, just delicious food.

I swear by my trusty wooden spoon for couscous, but that's just me.

And that’s it! armed with these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create some lemon shrimp couscous magic. get ready for a lemony couscous adventure! this is seriously one of my favourite side dish recipes easy .

Alright, let's talk about cooking method , particularly how to nail a mediterranean pearl couscous salad with lemon-herb vinaigrette! this isn't just any salad; it's sunshine on a plate.

Think sunshine, beach umbrellas, and a glass of something chilled. this salad is perfect as one of your side dish recipes easy .

This summer couscous is perfect for picnics!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Seriously, getting organised is half the battle. first, the essential mise en place . dice your cucumber, red onion, and olives.

Chop the parsley and mint. minced garlic is also needed. get that feta ready.

For time-saving organization tips , chop everything while the couscous is cooking. multitasking is your friend! also, have all your measuring spoons and cups ready.

This is a simple couscous recipes that will blow away your family. this can easily become one of your go-to simple couscous recipes .

No real Safety reminders here, unless you're like me and prone to cutting yourself. Go slow, watch those fingers!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

1. Couscous Time: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toast 1 ½ cups of Israeli cous cous for 2- 3 minutes , stirring.
2. Simmer and Dream: Add 3 cups vegetable broth and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 10- 12 minutes . All liquid should be absorbed.
3. Veggies Prep: Chop 1 red bell pepper , 1 cucumber , ½ cup olives, and ½ cup red onion while cous cous cooks.
4. Vinaigrette Magic: Whisk together ¼ cup lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons each of parsley and mint, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
5. Combine and Conquer: Toss the cooked cous cous with veggies and ½ cup feta in a large bowl.
6. Dress to Impress: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
7. Chill Out (Optional): Chill for 30 minutes or more to let the flavours meld. Seriously, it's worth it.

This is a twist on the more well known Moroccan Couscous .

Cous Cous Pro Tips: Elevate Your Game

Toasting the cous cous is vital. It adds a nutty flavour and stops it from becoming mush. Don't skip it!

A common mistake is overcooking the cous cous . It should be tender but with a slight bite. Think al dente pasta. This recipe makes a great Lemon Herb Couscous Salad .

This is one dish that can be made in advance. the flavours actually get better. just hold off on adding the feta until serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

This really is the best lemon herb couscous recipe.

A Final Bite of Cous Cous Wisdom

So, there you have it. a mediterranean pearl couscous salad that's easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. it's a journey, one delicious bite at a time.

A truly tasty lemony couscous .

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for this fabulous mediterranean pearl couscous salad with lemon-herb vinaigrette . honestly, these are the things i wish i knew the first time i made it.

Recipe Notes

Serving It Up Right: Plating and Pairings

Presentation is key, right? for this summer couscous salad, i like to pile it high in a pretty bowl. garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs.

Looks like you've gone to some effort!

This salad is epic with grilled chicken or fish. it is also great on its own. it is perfect with a chilled glass of white wine, too! think picnics and bbqs.

Maybe a cheeky glass of lemonade. it screams summer, doesn’t it? side dish recipes easy, sorted!

Storing Like a Pro

Okay, so you've got leftovers? Lucky you!

Refrigeration: this lemon herb couscous salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. just pop it in an airtight container.

Freezing: not recommended, unfortunately. the texture of the couscous changes. trust me, i've tried. it ends up a bit mushy.

Reheating: no need to reheat! this salad is best served cold or at room temperature. get it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to tuck in.

Couscous Remix: Variations on a Theme

Fancy switching things up? I’ve got you covered.

Dietary adaptations: for a vegan version, ditch the feta. you can even sub in a vegan feta if you're feeling fancy.

Lemon shrimp couscous is also a great pairing! seasonal swaps: in the autumn, roast some squash and add it in! it adds sweetness.

Use what's in season, you know?

A Little Look at the Numbers: Nutrition Basics

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But here's a rough idea of what you're getting per serving:

• Calories: Around 350
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 24g

This cous cous salad is packed with goodness from the vegetables. Plus, feta has calcium and protein! All good.

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. it's simple, tasty, and pretty good for you. give it a go! and why not try something new such as a moroccan couscous recipe.

Honestly, some simple couscous recipes such as lemony couscous really are some of the best. you’ll be chuffed you did.

Honestly, this lemon herb couscous rocks!