Mediterranean-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes

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

A vibrant couscous salad blending Mediterranean freshness with subtle Italian herbs and a Cajun spice kick for a colorful, flavorful side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 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 220 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 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 immediately and let it steam for 5 minutes until all water is absorbed and couscous is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until well combined and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/3 cup sliced black olives, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the salad, then toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes?

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-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes?

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-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes 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-Inspired Couscous Salad with Italian and Cajun Notes 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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