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Flavorful Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe

Flavorful Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful cucumber couscous salad featuring tender Israeli couscous, crisp cucumbers, fresh parsley, zesty lemon, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing seasoned with garlic and pepper. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups Israeli couscous

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 1/4 bunch parsley
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon

Dressing

  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Add-ins

  • 3 oz crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Israeli Couscous: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of Israeli couscous and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water. Let it drain completely.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Slice 2 medium cucumbers into quarter rounds and place them in a large bowl. Roughly chop about 1/4 bunch of parsley leaves and add them to the bowl. Grate the yellow zest of 1 medium lemon and sprinkle it over the cucumbers and parsley.
  3. Make the Dressing: Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze out 2-3 tablespoons of juice into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: Pour the lemon dressing over the cucumber, parsley, and lemon zest. Stir to blend the flavors. Add the cooled couscous and 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Gently mix to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the salad and add more salt or pepper as desired to balance and brighten the flavors.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for fresh flavors or chill in the refrigerator to enjoy later. This versatile salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish.

Notes

  • Use Israeli couscous for a chewy texture; you can substitute with pearl couscous if unavailable.
  • Make sure to cool and drain couscous well to prevent a soggy salad.
  • The salad can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; toss again before serving.
  • For a vegan version, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Add chopped mint or dill for extra herbaceous flavor variations.
  • If you prefer stronger lemon flavor, add more zest or juice according to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber couscous salad, Israeli couscous salad, Mediterranean salad, summer salad, lemon dressing salad, vegetarian salad, feta cheese salad

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/flavorful-cucumber-couscous-salad-recipe/