This Mediterranean couscous salad is pearl couscous with vegetables and feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade dressing. A quick and easy side dish that’s fresh, colorful and always gets rave reviews.
When I’m looking for the perfect salad to bring to a party or potluck, I turn to favorites such as zesty cucumber tomato salad, protein packed black bean salad, and this Greek inspired couscous salad.
Sometimes I want a big salad that’s not just made with lettuce. On those days, I turn to grain based dishes like this couscous salad. With plenty of fresh veggies, cheese and olives, this salad is packed full of flavor.
What is couscous?
Couscous is made with crushed durum wheat semolina that is formed into small grains or balls. It is similar in flavor to pasta, which is also made from a form of ground semolina flour. Moroccan couscous is the smallest type of couscous, and it looks like tiny pieces of grain. This variety cooks very quickly and is great to have on hand. Another form of couscous is Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous. This variety looks like small smooth balls, and is often cooked and prepared like pasta. I use pearl couscous in this particular salad because I find that the larger grains hold up well against the raw veggies. That being said, I’ve also made this recipe with Moroccan couscous with great results, so either one will work.
How do you make couscous salad?
Start by cooking your couscous, then place it in a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, red onion, parsley and olives. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, then pour it over the couscous and veggies and toss to coat. Stir in feta cheese, then garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the perfect dish
- As I mentioned earlier, it’s fine to use either Moroccan or pearl couscous, they both will work!
- To save on prep time, you can cut up the vegetables and make the dressing up to 8 hours before you plan to serve the salad.
- Leftover couscous salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- I recommend buying a block of feta cheese and crumbling it yourself. In my opinion, the block variety has so much more flavor than the tubs of pre-crumbled cheese at the store.
Couscous salad flavor variations
This salad is fabulous as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Grains: You can swap out the couscous for other grains such as bulgur wheat, quinoa or orzo pasta.
- Protein: Make this a meal by adding diced grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Vegetables: Amp up the flavor and add some baby spinach leaves, roasted red bell peppers or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Cheese: Swap out the feta with shaved parmesan or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Herbs: Feel free to use other types of herbs such as dill, basil or chives.
Mediterranean couscous salad is great on a hot summer day, perfect for potlucks, and an all around delicious side dish!
More fabulous salad recipes
Couscous Salad Video
Couscous Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 cup couscous Pearl or Moroccan style, uncooked
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
For the dressing
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano and salt and pepper.
For the salad
- Cook the couscous according to package directions, then place in a colander and run cold water over it to cool it down.
- Place the couscous, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, olives and parsley in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss to combine.
- Add the feta cheese and stir gently.
- Sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish, then serve.
Karyl says
Can you make this the night before, or does the couscous not hold up well?
Sara says
It should be fine a day ahead of time, just be aware the couscous will soak up the dressing as it sits!
Katyann says
I made this for a shower luncheon and it was really a hit!
Heather Johnson says
omg. so delicious – i can never turn down anything mediterranean! olives and feta are the best!
Lisa says
I love making this as a dinner side then hav9ing the leftovers at lunch.
Biana says
The couscous salad looks delicious and so colorful! A great side dish to go with chicken or fish.
Andrea says
Loving all the Mediterranean flavor of this couscous salad. It will be a big hit in my house.
Gina says
Love using couscous as a sub for pasta. It lends itself perfectly to a salad like this. Lots of flavor and incredibly refreshing!
sonia says
Couscous is a delicious dish.
I will try your recipe this week
Dannii says
Anything with feta is good with me and I love pearl couscous. Such a delicious salad.
Sandy says
This would be a perfect salad for a light lunch and just up my alley. I love your dressing and I make a similar one myself (I use minced garlic instead of powder).
Jess says
I love all the fresh ingredients in this salad and how easily it comes together!
Cathleen says
I recently bought couscous but have no idea what to do with it, haha. This came at the most perfect time! Bookmarked. to make this weekend, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂