Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe
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
Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
Salad
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 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.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: Dice the cucumber and add it to the fluffed couscous in the bowl.
- 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.
- 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