Our Favorite Lemon Herb Couscous Salad Recipe
We love this light couscous salad — it doubles as a side, can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or shrimp! With lots of texture from crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy nuts and raisins, this is certainly one of our favorites. You can even make it ahead of time. See the notes section below for our tips.
We love this light couscous salad — it doubles as a side, can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or shrimp! With lots of texture from crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy nuts and raisins, this is certainly one of our favorites. You can even make it ahead of time. See the notes section below for our tips.
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 large tomato diced
- salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 1/2 cups dried israeli couscous also called pearl couscous
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice depending on taste
- 1 medium english cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs use any combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or
- 1/4 cup raisins we love golden raisins
- Carbohydrate 61.7974937528822 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.09138876942085 g
- Fiber 0.833522677877575 g
- Protein 1.44760273449551 g
- Saturated Fat 1.07946612768139 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (104g)
- Sodium 29.2045156258211 mg
- Sugar 60.9639710750046 g
- Trans Fat 0.42161131303906 g
- Calories 323 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes.
- Drain.
- While the couscous cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add the drained couscous to the dressing and mix well.
- Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, walnuts and raisins.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed.
- Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
My Go-To Summer Salad: Lemon Herb Couscous
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad has become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I'm packing lunches for my kids, preparing a side dish for a barbecue, or creating a light and refreshing dinner, this salad delivers every time. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even on my busiest days.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The base is fluffy Israeli couscous, which holds the dressing beautifully and provides a satisfying texture. Then, I simply add a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and whatever fresh herbs I happen to have in my garden (parsley, cilantro, basil – they all work wonderfully!). Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and a handful of golden raisins provides a touch of sweetness. The homemade lemon herb dressing is the star of the show, perfectly balancing tangy lemon juice, sweet honey, and a hint of Dijon mustard. The olive oil adds richness and depth of flavor, making this salad far from bland. It's a bright, refreshing taste that perfectly complements the summer season. I often add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, transforming it into a complete meal that's both satisfying and healthy.
I've experimented with countless variations over the years, and the possibilities are truly endless. Sometimes I’ll swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds, depending on what I have in my pantry. Other times, I'll add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, tailoring the salad to the season’s bounty. The key is to have fun and experiment! Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch.
Tips for Making Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prepping! I often make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to add the tomatoes and cucumbers closer to serving time to prevent them from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a side dish: Perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
- As a main course: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein-packed meal.
- As a light lunch: A refreshing and satisfying option for a quick and easy lunch.
- As a potluck contribution: Always a hit at gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It's a dish that I can rely on, no matter how busy my schedule is, and one that always brings a smile to my face (and to my family's faces!). So give it a try—I’m confident it will quickly become one of your favorites too!
