Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad bursting with fresh herbs, bright citrus, and crunchy toasted almonds, great for a light Mother’s Day side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean, vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs couscous, boiling water, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 cup couscous in a large bowl. Pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let sit for 5 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp orange juice into the couscous until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 3 thinly sliced green onions to the couscous. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds over the top for a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep couscous from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herb and Citrus Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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