Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Couscous Salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a healthy side. With fluffy couscous combined with crisp cucumber and a tangy lemon dressing, it’s simple yet full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the couscous according to package instructions, usually by pouring boiling water over it, covering, and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the couscous with the diced cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
• Use cold couscous for a chilled salad or serve warm for a comforting side.
• Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be served cold or brought to room temperature before eating. Avoid adding dressing until just before serving if storing longer to keep cucumbers crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing shortly before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onion work well and add extra color and flavor.

Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

This refreshing Cucumber Couscous Salad combines light, fluffy couscous with crisp cucumber and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing for a quick and healthy side dish or light meal. Perfect for warm weather, it is simple to prepare and packed with bright flavors and textures.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Couscous

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth

Salad

• 1 medium cucumber, diced

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Couscous: Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour boiling water or vegetable broth over it. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the liquid. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Mix Salad Ingredients: Dice the cucumber and add it to the fluffed couscous in the bowl.
3. Make and Add Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous and cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve: Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor, or serve immediately at room temperature.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or dill.
• You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or vinegar for a different tang.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water to add more depth of flavor to the couscous.
• This salad pairs well with grilled proteins or as a light standalone dish.

Keywords: cucumber couscous salad, quick couscous recipe, Mediterranean salad, healthy side dish, vegetarian salad