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    "home" » Recipes » RECIPES

    The Best Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad

    July 11, 2022 by Sophie 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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 20 minutes! Give it a try today.

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    cooked Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad in a white bowl
    Pearl Couscous Salad in a Bowl

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Storage
    • Tip
    • FAQ'S
    • More Salad Recipes
    • Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad

    Ingredients

    All the Ingredients you need to make this recipe: Pearl couscous, Feta, Oil, Vinegar, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, oregano, basil.

    The 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

    Cooked pearl couscous in a Saucepan
    Cooked Farro Grain

    In a saucepan, bring a large amount of water to a boil. Then add 2 cups of couscous and simmer for 20 minutes.

    Bowl with all the Ingredients ready to be mixed
    Bowl with all the Ingredients

    Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine everything.

    Bowl with Mixed Ingredients
    Bowl with Mixed Ingredients

    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

    What is the ratio of water to pearl couscous?

    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

    Is pearl couscous pasta?

    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.

    Is pearl couscous gluten free?

    No, couscous is not gluten-free. Despite its rice-like appearance, couscous is made from semolina, which is a granule of durum wheat.

    What can I serve with the couscous salad?

    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.

    What is the taste and texture of the pearl couscous?

    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.

    Pearl Couscous Salad
    Serving spoon of the Pearl Couscous Salad
    Pearl Couscous Salad

    More Salad Recipes

    Basmati Rice Salad with Edamame

    cheese tortellini pasta salad

    High Protein Bean Salad

    Healthy Kale Salad

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    Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad

    A good lunch option that you can feel good about, this Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad has all your favorite flavors without the guilt. It's easy to make and takes less than 15 minutes!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 8
    Calories 279 kcal

    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
    • 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 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

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 177mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 1mg
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    Comments

    1. Rob Parrott

      March 06, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sophie

        March 09, 2022 at 7:52 am

        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 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Sophie! Passionate about cooking, I love to create recipes with simple and affordable ingredients. No prerequisite in cooking is necessary to make my recipes, everyone will find pleasure in cooking and eating!

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