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Couscous Salad

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This couscous salad is simple and easy, but also wholesome and delicious. Perfect filler when you want to keep it light and refreshing. The best part is, it takes only 10 minutes to make.

A bowl of couscous salad.
Quick Salad made with Couscous and Lemon Dressing

My kids love couscous and often we serve couscous with our slow-cooked meat recipes, such as my apricot beef or slow-cooked beef with dates. Since couscous is so popular with them, I make couscous salad so I can add a bunch of veggies in there too.

About this recipe

A no-fuss recipe with ready to use instant couscous that takes just 5 minutes to revive. The dressing is as easy as adding everything to a small mason jar. You can make the couscous and the dressing ahead of time and save it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

To assemble, all you do is combine all ingredients and the dressing. You can even make this salad a day ahead before your guests arrive. Don’t get easier than that. Right?

A bowl of couscous and salad.
Quick Salad made with Couscous and Lemon Dressing

Ingredients and substitutes

  • Couscous – I am using instant couscous that takes just five minutes to revive. The one I get uses a 1:1 ratio of couscous to water, which is what I have recommended below. Having said that, please read the package instructions and adjust water as recommended by the brand.
  • Veggies – I am using cucumber and tomatoes. And yet, you can add other veggies as well. Sometimes, I add roasted veggies like cooked sweet potato cubes, diced boiled carrots, diced boiled potatoes, etc.
  • Raisins – Soak the raisins in hot water for 30 minutes. This makes them easier to eat.
  • Nuts – We love pecans, but walnuts and chopped hazelnuts are also wonderful in this.
A wooden bowl with couscous salad.
Quick Salad made with Couscous and Lemon Dressing

Step by step instructions

Couscous

  • In a bowl, combine couscous, salt, and oil.
  • Add the water – stir to combine.
  • Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, fluff with a fork.
Add couscous to a bowl for the saladCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures5
Add the hot water to the couscous saladCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures3
Add the oil to the couscous for saladCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures2
Cover and let the couscous rest for 10 minutesCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures4

Dressing

  • Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar.
  • Close the jar and give it a good shake.
  • Set aside until ready to use.
Small bowls with the ingredients for a salad dressing.
Quick Salad made with Couscous and Lemon Dressing

Assemble

  • In a bowl, combine, couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, raisins, pecans and parsley.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Then, add the dressing and combine well.
  • This salad can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept in the fridge (after that moisture from the veggies will make the couscous soggy).
Add all the veggies to the couscous to make saladCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures6
Combine all the ingredients for salad in a bowlCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures9
Add the salad dressing to the couscous mixtureCouscous Salad in 10 mins Progress Pictures7
How to make a salad with couscous and veggiesCouscous Salad14

Frequently asked questions

What is couscous?

Couscous is made from semolina. It is the hard part of the grain of hard wheat. It is made by hand by rolling semolina and water until it forms tiny pallets.

How long will this couscous salad keep

This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Is couscous good for weight loss?

Well, couscous absorbs water easily so it fills you up. This means you eat less, which is good for weight loss. But, we still have oil other ingredients in this salad.

What other veggies can I use in this salad?

Oh, this recipe is so versatile. Try grilled veggies, add boiled veggies. You can even add meat such as grilled chicken or sliced cold cuts.

Can I use vinegar instead of lemon?

Absolutely, you can use 1 tbsp vinegar instead of lemon.

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A bowl of couscous and salad.

Easy Couscous Salad in 10 minutes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories: 337kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 4 Servings

Description

This couscous salad is simple and easy but also wholesome and delicious. Perfect filler when you want to keep it light and refreshing. The best part is it takes only 10 minutes to make it.

Video

Ingredients 

Couscous

  • 1 cups (200 g) Couscous (instant)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Salad

  • 1 cup Cucumber (diced small)
  • 1 cup Tomatoes (diced)
  • ½ cup Parsley (chopped)
  • ½ cup raisins (soaked and drained)
  • ½ cup Pecans (chopped)

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp Pepper
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Instructions

Couscous

  • In a bowl combine couscous, salt, and oil
  • Add the water – stir to combine
  • Cover and let rest for 5 minutes
  • After 5 minutes, fluffy with a fork.

Dressing

  • Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar
  • Close the jar and give it a good shake.
  • Set aside until ready to use

Assemble

  • In a bowl combine, couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, raisins, pecans and parsley
  • Stir well to combine
  • Then add the dressing and combine well.
  • This salad can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept in the fridge. (after that moisture from the veggies will make the couscous soggy)

Conversions Used

1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Easy Couscous Salad in 10 minutes
Amount per Serving
Calories
337
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
5
%
Sodium
 
692
mg
29
%
Potassium
 
447
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
56
g
19
%
Fiber
 
6
g
24
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
982
IU
20
%
Vitamin C
 
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
 
43
mg
4
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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12 Comments

  1. Sharon Halyburton says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is delish! Definitely best cold from the fridge is how I prefer it. I love how it’s not too oily!! Most other recipes call for much more.
    I substituted cranberries for the raisins, and spring onions and mint for the parsley. It was just lovely. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us!

    1. Thank you, Sharon. yes, it is such a versatile recipe you can substitute almost everything with anything. Thanks for the feedback

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