The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad

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

A vibrant mix of fluffy couscous, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta, dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing summer dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook couscous according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving to preserve its texture.
  6. Step 6: Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad?

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 The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad?

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 The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad 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 The Best Mediterranean Couscous Salad 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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