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Cooking couscous may seem straightforward, but there are essential tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Start by bringing your broth—vegetable or chicken— to a boil. Using broth instead of water is crucial as it infuses the couscous with added flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Chilled Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Discover the ultimate summer dish with this Refreshing Chilled Mediterranean Couscous Salad. Packed with fluffy couscous, colorful veggies, and nutritious chickpeas, this vibrant salad is perfect for warm days, picnics, or meal prepping. Enjoy the health benefits from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and a tangy feta cheese topping. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a delightful way to embrace Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy wholesome eating. Try this easy recipe to elevate your summer meals!

Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the couscous is cooling, wash and chop the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, and Kalamata olives.

      Combine Ingredients: Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently to ensure everything is coated well.

            Add Cheese and Herbs: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint. Be careful not to break the feta too much.

              Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Serve: Give the salad a quick stir just before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Enjoy this refreshing dish alongside grilled meats or as a light, healthy meal on its own.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings