Couscous Salad (2024)

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This vibrant Israeli Couscous Salad is the kind of healthy, happy, easy lunch that you’ll spend your whole morning looking forward to eating.

Couscous Salad (1)

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Not only is it delicious, but this couscous salad with feta cheese, fresh mint, and smoked paprika-lemon dressing is also an easy meal to make.

It’s simple, nutritious, and perfect for a light meal or summer-vibes side dish. (Pair with Salmon Cakes for an extra boost of protein.)

This couscous salad blends fresh ingredients and bright flavors, backed by a subtly smoky dressing and nutty whole grains.

Couscous Salad (2)

5 Star Review

“This is my all-time favorite salad/side dish recipe! I make this once a week without fail, and I get compliments every time I serve it! Super quick and so fresh.”

— Kanya —

What is Israeli Couscous?

Just like regular couscous (like my Moroccan Couscous Salad), Israeli couscous (also known as pearl couscous) is actually a small, lightly toasted pasta.

Some of the key differences between regular couscous and Israeli couscous are:

  • Israeli couscous is larger in size than regular couscous.
  • Israeli couscous is prepared by boiling, and regular couscous can be boiled or steamed.
  • Israeli couscous nutrition differs slightly from that of regular couscous. Whole wheat Israeli couscous contains about 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving, and regular couscous has about 2 grams of fiber.

Couscous is quick-cooking and makes a refreshing change of pace in cold pasta salads like this one.

It’s healthy, and the pearls nestle into every forkful.

The texture is delightful; it’s not overly chewy and allows the other ingredients to shine.

Couscous Salad (3)

How to Make the Best Couscous Salad

Although you could add just about any mix of vegetables to a couscous salad and have it turn out nicely, I am especially fond of the Mediterranean-inspired blend that we have happening in today’s recipe.

The Ingredients

  • Israeli Couscous. The delicious grain for our salad! I used whole wheat couscous (which I also used in this Avocado Couscous Grapefruit Salad) in this recipe. Because whole grains are higher in fiber and protein than their white counterparts (and thus more nutritious and satisfying), I prefer to use them in my cooking when possible.
  • Lemon Zest + Juice. Adds brightness and acidity.
  • Dijon Mustard. A zippy and tangy addition to the dressing.
  • Smoked Paprika. I love the light smokiness that paprika adds to the recipe.
  • Arugula. Gives the salad backbone and bite. Plus, it’s packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins.
  • Cucumber + Cherry Tomatoes. Both cucumber and cherry tomatoes bring delightful freshness and color to the salad.
  • Feta Cheese + Mint. What truly makes the Israeli couscous salad beam. Promise me you will not skip these two. The feta is creamy and satisfying, and the fresh mint makes the salad taste alive.

Tip!

If you’d prefer this as a hot Israeli couscous recipe, you could serve it warm instead.

The Directions

  1. Cook the couscous (it takes about 20 minutes to cook Israeli couscous). Fluff and set aside. You do not need to rinse Israeli couscous after cooking.
  2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, then toss the mixture with the couscous. Refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. DIG IN!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store leftover Israeli couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To Freeze. While I do not recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy, you can freeze cooked couscous in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Meal Plan Tip

Cook the couscous up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate it in an airtight storage container.

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Leftover Ideas

For extra-filling leftovers, try Israeli couscous salad with chickpeas or good-quality canned tuna. The lemony paprika dressing in this salad is a fantastic pairing with the fish.

What to Serve with Israeli Couscous

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

  • Saucepan. Perfect for making this traditional Israeli couscous recipe.
  • Mixing Bowls. This set will help you prepare any recipe.
  • Citrus Juicer. My favorite (and most-used) kitchen gadget.

Israeli Couscous Salad

4.73 from 106 votes

Israeli couscous salad with feta, summer vegetables, and lively lemon dressing. Simple, healthy, and perfect for light meals and sides.

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 medium English seedless cucumber sliced and quartered
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves chopped

Instructions

  • Bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium (2-quart) saucepan. Add the couscous, return to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

  • In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired. While the couscous is still warm, add it to the bowl and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow the couscous to cool.

  • When ready to serve, addthe remaining ingredients: arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. Toss to combine. Serve coldor at room temperature.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Store leftover Israeli couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 42gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgFiber: 13g

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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Couscous Salad (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is couscous salad? ›

Ingredients like mint and couscous also boost digestion and alleviate bloating. Glowing skin. Those prebiotic fibers from the cooked and cooled couscous have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory and blood sugar benefits, which help regulate hormones and keep our skin healthy.

How do you make Jamie Oliver couscous salad? ›

Mix up the couscous, scatter over the courgettes, garlic, chilli and olives, crumble over the feta, sprinkle with the reserved basil leaves, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. This will be delicious served warm or cold.

Is couscous a carb or protein? ›

Though couscous contains limited amounts of blood-sugar-lowering protein, it's fairly high in carbs, with 36 grams per cup (157 grams) (1). Those with blood sugar issues or diabetes should be cautious when consuming moderate- to high-carb foods.

What the heck is couscous? ›

Contrary to popular belief, couscous is neither a grain nor a seed; it's a form of pasta made from a dry mixture of semolina and water that's rolled in very tiny irregular pieces. When couscous was made daily by hand, a bowl of semolina was mixed and tossed while water was gradually added and rubbed into the mixture.

Can I eat couscous while trying to lose weight? ›

Yes, you can still eat rice, pasta, quinoa, and couscous while losing weight. It is important to keep your diet balanced when trying to lose weight and to eat fewer calories than your body burns.

Is couscous a better carb than rice? ›

While neither ingredient is considered low-carb, they do share their differences. Compared to brown and white rice, couscous usually contains slightly lower carbs per serving. However, when comparing our Traditional Pearl Couscous with our Wild and Brown Rice Mix, the number of carbohydrates is the same.

Is couscous closer to rice or pasta? ›

While many believe that it is a type of grain, such as rice or barley, it is actually a type of pasta. (Hint: some grocery stores may stock couscous in the pasta section, but most will often stock it in the grain section, next to the rice). Couscous is pasta made from semolina flour mixed with water.

What can I add to couscous for flavor? ›

Dress it up
  1. Herbs: Couscous will always be better with a fresh lift of herbs. ...
  2. Lemon: Grated lemon rind and a squeeze of juice will add extra zing.
  3. Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or a few slivered almonds add lovely crunch.
  4. Fruit: Many versions of couscous include dried fruit such as apricots or currants.

How long does couscous salad last in the fridge? ›

Storage Tips

Store leftover Israeli couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To Freeze. While I do not recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy, you can freeze cooked couscous in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

Which is better, quinoa or couscous? ›

Couscous is not gluten-free, but quinoa is gluten-free. Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories.

Can I eat couscous every day? ›

Health Benefits of Integrating Couscous into Your Diet

From being a rich source of protein to its relatively high fibre content, couscous offers a nutritional boost that can positively impact your overall well-being and offer a welcome alternative to eating pasta every day of the week.

Is couscous any healthier than pasta? ›

No, couscous is not healthier than pasta: that's the short answer. As a dietitian, I would compare the protein, calories, carbs, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and glycemic load to assess the difference.

Why is couscous only on Friday? ›

Couscous is a traditional Moroccan dish, eaten on Fridays - the day of congregational prayer. Huge groups gather around one big table a eat the dish together, normally by hand. Lben, a type of buttermilk, is the drink paired with the dish.

Does couscous bloat you? ›

For people with even a mild gluten intolerance, glutinous foods can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Avoiding gluten-based foods at all costs is the best way to keep these symptoms at bay if you're allergic or intolerant.

What is couscous eaten with? ›

It makes a fluffy bed for veggies, fish, and meats, and perfectly soaks up hearty Moroccan chicken or lamb stews. You can even chill your couscous and toss it into a tasty Mediterranean salad! It's true what they say about it—it's the pasta so nice, they named it twice!

Is couscous good for you on a diet? ›

From being a rich source of protein to its relatively high fibre content, couscous offers a nutritional boost that can positively impact your overall well-being and offer a welcome alternative to eating pasta every day of the week. Here's a couple of the reasons why it stands out among other kinds of carbohydrates.

What is healthier, quinoa or couscous? ›

Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories. Every 100 grams of cooked couscous has 112 calories.

How many calories in a serving of couscous salad? ›

Trader Joe's
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 serving (150g)
How many calories are in Couscous Salad? Amount of calories in Couscous Salad: Calories 300Calories from Fat 99 (33%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Couscous Salad? Amount of fat in Couscous Salad: Total Fat 11g-
15 more rows

Is couscous ultra-processed? ›

In the Nova food classification system, devised by Monteiro, category one is “unprocessed or minimally processed food”. This includes fresh, frozen and dried fruit and vegetables; milk and plain yoghurt; fresh meat and fish; grains and legumes; fungi; eggs; flour; nuts and seeds; herbs and spices; pasta and couscous.

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