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+ servings

Couscous Salad Recipe

This couscous salad is light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors from crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. It’s the perfect balance of textures with chewy couscous, crunchy walnuts, and sweet golden raisins in every bite.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Couscous Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dried Israeli couscous pearl couscous
  • 1 medium English cucumber diced
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
  • 1/4 cup raisins golden raisins recommended
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice adjust to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt before adding the couscous. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the grains are tender but still retain a slight chew. Drain well and set aside.
  • While the couscous is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Once the couscous has been drained, add it to the bowl with the dressing and stir until the grains are evenly coated.
  • Gently fold in the diced cucumber, chopped tomato, fresh herbs, toasted walnuts, and raisins. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve immediately while warm, or cover and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld. If preparing in advance, store covered in the refrigerator for up to four hours. For longer storage, keep the tomatoes and walnuts separate until ready to serve to maintain their freshness and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
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