Greek Couscous Salad: A Refreshing Mediterranean Classic

If you’re craving a dish that is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, look no further than Greek Couscous Salad. This vibrant salad combines fluffy couscous with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tied together with a simple yet zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. It’s the kind of dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

In this long-form article, we will explore everything about Greek Couscous Salad—its origins, ingredients, variations, nutritional benefits, and step-by-step instructions. We’ll also cover pro tips, serving ideas, storage methods, meal prep hacks, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to create this dish like a pro and enjoy it as a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Couscous Salad is its simplicity. The recipe calls for a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous, cooked
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Couscous: Prepare couscous according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and chop the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
4. Add the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Finish with Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~290 per serving | Servings: 4

Why Greek Couscous Salad Stands Out

Unlike heavier pasta or potato salads, Greek Couscous Salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days. The couscous serves as a fluffy, nutty base that absorbs the tangy lemon and olive oil dressing beautifully. The vegetables add crunch and juiciness, while the Kalamata olives bring a briny depth. Finally, the feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together.

This salad is not just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main course by adding protein. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Tips for Perfect Greek Couscous Salad

• Fluff the Couscous: After cooking, use a fork to fluff the grains so they stay light and airy.
• Cool Before Mixing: Let the couscous cool before adding vegetables to avoid sogginess.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: The salad depends heavily on the freshness of the vegetables and herbs.
• Balance the Dressing: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice before serving.
• Add Feta Last: To keep it fresh and crumbly, add feta cheese just before serving.

Variations to Try

The beauty of Greek Couscous Salad is how easily it can be customized. Here are some variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Whole-Grain Twist: Use whole wheat couscous or swap with quinoa for a more nutrient-dense option.
• Herbal Infusion: Fresh parsley, dill, or basil add another layer of freshness.
• Creamier Dressing: Stir in a little Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy finish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Serving Ideas

Greek Couscous Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains. It makes an excellent side for Mediterranean grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or baked salmon. You can also enjoy it as a main course with warm pita bread and hummus on the side. For gatherings, it’s a perfect potluck dish that looks colorful, tastes amazing, and holds up well even when made ahead.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Couscous provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, while cucumbers and tomatoes add hydration and vitamins. Red onion and olives offer antioxidants, and feta cheese supplies calcium and protein. The olive oil and lemon dressing gives heart-healthy fats and vitamin C. All together, Greek Couscous Salad is a nutrient-dense dish that’s light yet satisfying.

Meal Prep and Storage

One of the best things about this dish is its convenience. You can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy it for several days.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Keep feta cheese separate and add just before serving.
• Lunch-Friendly: Pack into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
• Refreshing Leftovers: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to freshen up before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
Yes! Quinoa makes a great substitute and adds extra protein and fiber.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just prepare everything in advance but add feta cheese before serving for best texture.

What other dressings can I use?
You can experiment with balsamic vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or even a yogurt-based sauce.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is not gluten-free, but you can replace it with gluten-free couscous or quinoa.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted eggplant work beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion

Greek Couscous Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a vibrant, versatile, and nutrient-packed recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. With its mix of fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a dish that’s light yet deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekday lunch, a summer picnic, or a festive gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

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