Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta

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

A light and refreshing couscous salad featuring crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and a lemon-oregano dressing, perfect for warm summer days. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs couscous, boiling water, cucumber, diced 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 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 and pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand for 5 minutes until water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley to the couscous. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta?

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 Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta?

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 Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta 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 Mediterranean Chilled Couscous Salad with Cucumber and Feta 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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