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Flavorful Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe

Flavorful Cucumber Couscous Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Flavorful Cucumber Couscous Salad featuring tender Israeli couscous, crisp cucumbers, fresh parsley, tangy lemon, and creamy crumbled feta, dressed with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups Israeli couscous
  • 2 medium cucumbers, cut into quarter rounds
  • 1/4 bunch parsley, leaves roughly chopped
  • 3 oz. crumbled feta cheese

Lemon and Seasonings

  • 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Israeli Couscous: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of Israeli couscous and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water. Let it drain completely while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Cut 2 medium cucumbers into quarter-round slices and place them in a large bowl. Roughly chop about 1/4 bunch of parsley leaves and add to the bowl. Zest 1 medium lemon and sprinkle the yellow zest into the bowl with cucumbers and parsley.
  3. Make the Dressing: Halve the zested lemon and squeeze out 2-3 tablespoons of juice into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir well to combine a bright, zesty dressing.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, parsley, and lemon zest. Stir to combine. Add the cooled, drained couscous and 3 oz. crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors and enhance freshness.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for a crisp, fresh salad or chill in the refrigerator before serving. This salad is great as a light meal or side dish with various dishes.

Notes

  • For added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
  • You can substitute parsley with fresh mint or cilantro for a different flavor.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice or olive oil to taste if you prefer a more tangy or rich dressing.
  • Use gluten-free couscous alternative if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber couscous salad, Israeli couscous salad, Mediterranean salad, lemon feta salad, easy vegetarian salad, summer salad, fresh cucumber salad

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/flavorful-cucumber-couscous-salad-recipe/