Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

 

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Couscous:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint leaves.

4. Add the Dressing:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.

5. Toss Until Well Coated:

   • Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Chill and Marinate (Optional):

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
   • Refrigerate the Mediterranean couscous salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve:

   • Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

8. Enjoy!

   • Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean couscous salad as a delicious side dish or light meal. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy addition to your lunch or dinner menu!