Description
A refreshing summer couscous salad with fresh mint, basil, and crumbled feta, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole wheat couscous
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 3-4 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chiffonade
- 3-4 basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup English cucumber, finely chopped
- 6 ounces feta, sliced into small cubes
- 2 pinches red hot pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup whole wheat couscous with 1 cup warm water, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Once the couscous has absorbed the water, use your fingers to break apart the grains until fluffy.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: thinly slice 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely slice 3-4 green onions, chiffonade 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and 3-4 basil leaves, finely chop 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/2 cup English cucumber.
- In a large bowl, combine the prepared couscous with the sliced cherry tomatoes, green onions, mint, basil, red bell pepper, and English cucumber. Add the feta cheese, red hot pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice, then gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add additional red hot pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as a side dish or add garbanzo beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add garbanzo beans.
- This salad pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
- It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
- Substitute mozzarella for feta if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 15