![To make a vibrant Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, you will need: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into small cubes - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Zest of 1 large lemon - Juice of 1 large lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) If you don't have some ingredients, here are some great swaps: - Instead of couscous, use quinoa for a gluten-free option. - Swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers for a different taste. - Use green onions in place of red onion for a milder flavor. - If you can't find fresh parsley, try cilantro for a unique twist. - Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice for a zesty change. Each serving of this Lemon Herb Couscous Salad packs in great nutrition: - Calories: about 180 - Protein: 4g - Carbohydrates: 26g - Dietary Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 2g - Fat: 7g - Saturated Fat: 1g - Sodium: 150mg This salad is not just tasty; it also brings healthy benefits to your table. Enjoy! Start by boiling the vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. Once it bubbles, add the couscous with a pinch of salt. Stir it well, then cover the pot and take it off the heat. Let it sit for five minutes. This step lets the couscous absorb all the liquid. After the time is up, use a fork to fluff the couscous. This breaks up clumps and makes it nice and fluffy. Set the couscous aside to cool. While the couscous cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss the veggies gently. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you want it spicy, add red pepper flakes. Mix this dressing until it blends well. Once the couscous is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Fold everything together gently to mix. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend well. When ready to serve, dish it out in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh look. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To make your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad shine, always use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley and mint boost flavor. If possible, choose organic vegetables for a brighter taste. Use a good quality olive oil; it makes a big difference. Zest the lemon before juicing for more zing. You can even add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors blend. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat. If the salad seems dry after storage, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice. This will revive the flavors. This salad is great for many events! For a picnic, pack it in a portable container. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish for a barbecue. You can also serve it as a light lunch or side dish at a dinner party. For a more festive touch, add some crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and tips to make this meal a hit! {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad easily. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. Chickpeas are a great choice too. They add a nice texture and are full of protein. For a creamy twist, try adding feta cheese. Crumble it over the top for a salty flavor. These options make your salad more filling and satisfying. Mix seasonal fruits and vegetables into your salad for extra flavor. In summer, try adding diced peaches or fresh corn. In fall, roasted butternut squash adds sweetness. You can also toss in seasonal greens like spinach or arugula. These additions not only enhance the taste but also make your dish more colorful and appealing. Choose what’s fresh and local for the best results. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta or replace it with vegan cheese. You can also add more beans for protein, like black beans or lentils. Use a plant-based dressing, such as tahini or a balsamic vinaigrette. This keeps the salad tasty and light. Adjust the flavors to your liking, and enjoy a meal that everyone can share. For the full recipe, check out the link above. After enjoying your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, store any leftovers properly. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents drying. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any spills in the fridge. This salad shines when served cold. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. If you are reheating, do so for only a few minutes. This keeps the ingredients from becoming mushy. If serving cold, simply remove it from the fridge and enjoy. When stored correctly, Lemon Herb Couscous Salad lasts about three days in the fridge. The flavors may deepen over time, making it even tastier! Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad throughout the week! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make this salad gluten-free, you can swap couscous for quinoa or rice. Both options work well and add a nice texture. Quinoa has a nutty flavor, while rice is mild and fluffy. Just cook them according to package instructions. After cooking, mix them with the same fresh veggies and lemon dressing. This way, you keep the taste and enjoy it gluten-free! Yes, you can use instant couscous! It cooks faster than regular couscous. Just follow the instructions on the package. Usually, you’ll add boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork and let it cool before mixing it with the veggies. The taste will still be fresh and zesty. You can serve couscous salad in many fun ways! Try these ideas: - Serve it in lettuce cups for a crunchy bite. - Use it as a filling for pita pockets. - Layer it in mason jars for a picnic. - Top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. - Add crumbled feta cheese for a rich flavor. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. This article covered the key steps to make a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. We looked at the essential ingredients and their substitutes. You learned how to prepare the salad, mix flavors, and store leftovers. Tips for perfecting taste and serving ideas were shared. In the end, this salad is easy, flavorful, and fun to make. Enjoy trying variations and sharing them at meals! Let your creativity shine with this dish.](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bdeca1d7-875a-4ecd-8379-47e6ebe708e1-1-250x250.webp)
Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Brighten your meal with this Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! Packed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a light and healthy dish. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, it's easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Click through for the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!