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Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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