Sometimes it's hard to find a good lunch option that you can feel good about, this Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad full of fresh veggies has all your favorite flavors without the guilt. It's easy to make and takes less than 40 minutes! Give it a try today.
This Mediterranean couscous salad recipe with fresh ingredients makes a great lunch and can be served with a variety of protein options. This delicious salad is a light meal and will fuel your body to take on the rest of your day!
It's the ideal recipe for Sunday meal prep, if you are not into meal prep, next time you make this recipe just double it so that you have enough to bring to lunch the next day. It's also a great substitute for pasta salad.
Israeli couscous is made up of small, round granules that are a little bit like pasta. 2-3 times larger than couscous. Pearl, or Israeli, couscous is roasted rather than dried, giving it a nutty flavor and a thick, chewy texture. You can find pearl couscous in most grocery stores.
Pearl couscous is a fun and easy addition to any recipe. You can use this versatile grain in salads, soups, or even as the main dish!
Ingredients
kalamata olive: Kalamata olives are a type of olive that is native to the Kalamata region in Greece. These olives are large and black with a smooth, fleshy texture. They have a salty, slightly tangy flavor with hints of bitterness. Kalamata olives are often used in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Cherry Tomato: Cherry tomatoes are a type of small, round tomato that is typically red in color. These tomatoes are sweet and juicy with a thin skin. Cherry tomatoes can be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes.
Salty feta cheese: Feta is a type of cheese that is made from sheep's milk or goat's milk. It is a white cheese with a crumbly texture. Feta has a tangy, salty flavor and is often used in salads or as a topping on pizzas or other dishes.
Pearl Couscous: Pearl couscous is a type of pasta made from durum wheat semolina regularly call semolina flour. It is similar in appearance to regular couscous, but it is slightly larger and has a more chewy texture. Pearl couscous can be used in salads or as a side dish. It is also sometimes used as a replacement for rice or other grains. These couscous cooks in about 20 minutes.
Cucumber: Use fresh crisp cucumber. English cucumbers are a type of cucumber that is long and slender with smooth, dark green skin. These cucumbers have a mild flavor and are often used in salads or as a garnish. English cucumbers can be found in most grocery stores.
Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is made from red wine that has been allowed to oxidize. This vinegar has a tart, acidic flavor with notes of the wine. It is often used in salad dressings or as a marinade for meats.
Oregano: Oregano is a type of herb that is related to mint. It has a pungent, earthy flavor and is often used in Italian and Greek cuisine. Oregano can be used fresh or dried. It is often used to flavor meats, soups, and sauces.
See the recipe card below for the quantities
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring a large amount of water to a boil. Then add 2 cups of couscous and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine everything.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Black olives in place of the Kalamata olives.
- Substitute Feta cheese for crumbled goat cheese.
- Add grilled chicken or garbanzo beans to make it a main dish.
- Try different types of vinegar
- Add 1 small red onion and bell peppers to add more colors
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice just before serving
Storage
You can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Pearl couscous will continue to absorb dressing, so you may need to add more before serving if it has been stored for a long period of time.
Can I freeze the pearl couscous salad?
No, we do not recommend freezing this salad as the Pearl couscous will become mushy when thawed.
Tip
- Use a large bowl to mix everything together.
- You can substitute pearl couscous for regular couscous.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Add more dressing if needed before serving.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Do not freeze the salad.
- Pearl couscous will continue to absorb dressing, so you may need to add more before serving if it has been stored for a long period of time.
FAQ'S
To prepare Israeli or pearl couscous, you'll need about 1 ¼ cups of water or vegetable broth for every 1 cup of dry grain
Israeli couscous—also called, giant couscous, and pearl couscous—is often thought of as a whole grain, but it's actually a type of pasta made of semolina flour and water.
No, couscous is not gluten-free. Despite its rice-like appearance, couscous is made from semolina, which is a granule of durum wheat.
The couscous salad can be served as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables. You could also serve it with a light soup or salad.
The pearl couscous has a chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor. It is similar in appearance to regular couscous, but it is slightly larger and has a more chewy texture. Pearl couscous can be used in salads or as a side dish. It is also sometimes used as a replacement for rice or other grains.
More Salad Recipes
Basmati Rice Salad with Edamame
Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups pearl couscous uncooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- ½ English cucumber
- ½ cup feta crumbled
- ¼ cup kalamata olive
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- ⅓ cup fresh basil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring a large amount of water to a boil. Then add 2 cups of couscous and simmer for 20- 25 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.Allow this mixture to cool before adding the ingredients
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the cucumber in small cubes.
- Finely chop the kalamata olives.
- Crumble the feta with your hand or chop it in small cubes with a knife.
- Add all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix to combine everything.
- Serve cold
Video
Notes
- The salad can be kept for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Rob Parrott
Thank you. This is now one of my go to recipes’. I used a box of Trader Joe’s Israeli couscous, which had a little over 1-1/2 cups couscous, and followed its instructions to cook it. I replaced the tomatoes with a red bell pepper, diced in 1/4-3/8” cubes, cuz that’s what I had in the fridge, and a couple forkfuls of capers that were screaming at me to add them in. Sooooo delicious! I will bring this to the next work potluck!
Sophie
Thank you Rob! I'm glad you liked it! It's always a good idea to use what you have in the fridge, and capers are soooooo good 🙂
Elizabeth
This recipe has all of my favorite Mediterranean flavors in one dish! I just love the summery flavors of the tomato and basil, the saltiness of the olives and feta, and the refreshing taste of the cucumbers. Excellent recipe.
Sophie Viau
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the Mediterranean flavors in this recipe! The combination of tomatoes, basil, olives, feta, and cucumbers truly brings out the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and creates a refreshing and delightful dish.
Ali
I had some extra pearl couscous lying around and used it to make this salad — it was so tasty!! Such a great healthy side dish for lunch.
Sophie Viau
Hey Ali,
It's always satisfying to put leftover ingredients to good use and create something delicious
Gina
The second I saw this I knew this recipe was for me! It was absolutely fantastic! I will be making this over and over again!
Sophie Viau
Hey Gina,
I'm so glad to hear that you loved the recipe! It's always wonderful to know when someone finds a recipe that they'll be making repeatedly
Sara Welch
This was everything a gourmet salad should be, and then some! Light, fresh and delicious; easily, a new favorite dish!
Sophie Viau
Hey Sara!
I'm thrilled to hear that the salad exceeded your expectations and became a new favorite for you!
Marta
The vinaigrette on this pearl couscous salad is good enough to drink on its own. I loved how easy this Mediterranean salad came together and how it compliments so many proteins.
Sophie Viau
Hi Marta,
I'm delighted to hear that you loved the vinaigrette on the pearl couscous salad! The right dressing can truly elevate a dish, and it's fantastic that it worked so well with this Mediterranean salad
Mikayla
I whipped this up as a side dish and ended up eating only the salad for my dinner, I really loved it!
Sophie Viau
That's wonderful to hear! I'm glad you enjoyed the salad so much that it became your main dinner.
Bernice
This couscous salad is the perfect salad to take to any summer gathering. I made a huge batch for the weekend and am looking forward to having extra for weekday lunches.
Sophie Viau
Absolutely! Couscous salad is a great choice for summer gatherings, and it's so versatile and easy to make in large batches. Having leftovers for weekday lunches is a bonus too
veenaazmanov
Heathy for sure. All the veggie combination and flavorful herb, wine and oil give this couscous salad a unique and colorful look and taste. A Bowl of goodness.
Sophie Viau
Indeed! This couscous salad offers a delightful combination of vegetables, herbs, wine, and oil that not only makes it a healthy option but also a feast for the eyes and taste buds
Veronika
I love well this salad keeps in the fridge! I made it a couple of days ago and enjoyed it for lunch two days in a row. So good!
Sophie Viau
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the salad and that it kept well in the fridge for you! It's always a bonus when you can make a delicious dish that lasts for multiple meals
Tammy
Super cool and refreshing. This is right up my alley! I love couscous...the cucumbers and tomatoes are a lovely addition tossed in. Perfect for summer!
Sophie Viau
Absolutely! Couscous salads are perfect for summer – they're light, refreshing, and packed with fresh flavors. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs adds a delightful taste and texture to the dish. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it!
Sharon
I love easy salads just like that couscous salad. The pearls make for a hearty dish and the dressing it the perfect coating.
Sophie Viau
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the couscous salad! The pearl couscous does add a nice heartiness to the dish, and the flavorful dressing brings everything together. Easy salads like this one are not only delicious but also versatile and convenient to prepare
Jacqueline Debono
Made this lovely salad with Sardinian fregola which is very similar to pearl couscous. Super good!
Sophie Viau
Hi Jacqueline,
Using Sardinian fregola in the salad is a wonderful idea! Fregola is a type of pasta that resembles pearl couscous and has a unique texture that works well in salads. I'm glad to hear that the salad turned out super good with this variation.
Kristina
I make this for every family barbecue during the summer and everyone always raves about it. I've been making it for such a long time and it never disappoints!
Sophie Viau
Hi Kristina,
It's wonderful to hear that this dish has become a staple at your family barbecues and is always a hit!
Madelyn
This salad has such wonderful flavor and while it's hearty, it's light enough to feel good after eating it. Thanks for a great recipe!
Sophie Viau
Hey Madelyn,
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the salad and that it struck the perfect balance between hearty and light.