Fresh veggies, a light dressing and couscous makes a perfect salad in this Mediterranean Couscous Salad.
We went camping this past weekend and had a fabulous time. The weather was semi-cooperative. We weren't caught in the deluge of rain that happened the night before we went. But the temperatures were cool and the sun didn't really come out.
When we returned home we unloaded all our gear and started the washer. Unfortunately our washing machine decided to die. It was done. No more washing was to be done. It made a sad groaning sound and it wouldn't spin. Now I have a huge pile of camping stuff needing to be washed. I had to go shopping for a new washing machine, but it won't be here until Friday.
What does Mediterranean Couscous Salad have to do with a camping trip and a broken washing machine? Nothing. Nothing at all!
What is Couscous?
Couscous is a very small pasta. You can buy it in a box or in bulk.
If you buy in a box, don't buy the flavored variety. You want just plain couscous.
This is one of my favorite salads to eat in the summer. It's light and refreshing. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and taste great the next day too!
Are there different types of couscous?
Yes! There are three main types of couscous.
- Moroccan - this is the smallest of couscous and the most common found in the stores
- Israeli - a larger couscous. Also called pearl couscous
- Lebanese - the largest sized couscous
If you are looking for other options for couscous try this Israeli Couscous Salad and Couscous Cheddar Cakes!
Other delicious salads
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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup red onion (diced)
- 1 cup cucumber (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (quartered)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Make the couscous by heating the water in a pot. When it boils, add the couscous and stir with a fork. Cover and remove from heat. After 5 minutes, remove lid and fluff with a fork. Place in a large bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Once couscous has cooled, add onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers and olives.
- To make the dressing, in a separate bowl, whisk olive oil and vinegar together. Add garlic, mustard, salt, pepper and oregano. Stir.
- Add dressing to couscous mixture. Toss lightly.
- Add parsley and toss lightly again.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
Katie Crenshaw says
Sorry about the washer!!! But your Mediterranean
Couscous Salad looks incredible! This is perfect for the summer!
Kathy says
It is one of my favorites during the hot summer months.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Sorry to know about washing machine trouble, that's really a pain. But happy to know that you had fun camping. Love using couscous, and this Mediterranean Couscous Salad looks fantastic, Kathy.
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Just in time! I recently made a Moroccan Lamb Tagine and this salad would go perfectly with it!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Yay for the fun camping trip! Boo for the broken washer! I love this salad Kathy! I think we might have been channeling each other with this week's recipe!