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Refreshing Pearl Couscous Salad with Tomato and Cucumber

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A vibrant Pearl Couscous Salad packed with fresh flavors from cherry tomatoes and cucumber, perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup dried pearl or Israeli couscous
  • 1 and 1/3 cups water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 6–8 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers (cut into coins)
  • 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint (chopped or torn)
  • 2 Tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan on medium heat, add your 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, pour in 1 cup of dried pearl couscous. Toast for about 2-3 minutes. Add in 1 and 1/3 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover for about 8-10 minutes until the couscous is tender and the water has absorbed.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Chop the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into rounds, and thinly slice the red onion.
  4. Combine It All: Once the couscous is cooked and cooled slightly, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Toss in the chopped veggies, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley or mint.
  5. Dress It Up: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold everything together.
  6. Toast the Pine Nuts: If using, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Sprinkle over the salad.
  7. Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit for a bit to meld flavors, or chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad gets better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition

Keywords: couscous salad, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, summer recipes, fresh vegetables

Find it online: https://basilboard.com/minute-pearl-couscous-salad-tomato-cucumber/