Best 10 Caprese Couscous Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Caprese couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean dish that hits the spot on a hot summer day. It's a combination of cooked couscous, fresh vegetables, and mozzarella cheese. The couscous is light and fluffy, the vegetables are crisp and flavorful, and the mozzarella cheese is creamy and tangy. This salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or summer barbecue. It's also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

COUSCOUS CAPRESE



Couscous Caprese image

A roasted tomato stuffed with couscous, fresh mozzarella, and basil makes a wonderful side dish. It's very pleasing to the eye and the mouth.

Provided by C. Murphy

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Tomatoes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup boiling water
1 cup couscous
4 tomatoes
16 leaves fresh basil
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • Pour boiling water over couscous in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let couscous soak until the water is completely absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  • Slice the tops from tomatoes and take a very small slice of the bottoms so they will be stable upright. Use a spoon to remove and discard the tomato innards. Put tomatoes in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake tomatoes in the preheated oven until lightly charred at the edges, about 20 minutes.
  • Line the inner walls of each tomato with 4 basil leaves.
  • Toss mozzarella cheese with the couscous; stuff into tomatoes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of the stuffed tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.6 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 366.6 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

TOASTED COUSCOUS SALAD



Toasted Couscous Salad image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups couscous
Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
3/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup rough chopped fresh Italian parsley
4 scallions, finely sliced
1 hothouse cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, diced

Steps:

  • For the vinaigrette: Combine the vinegar, honey, mustard and garlic in a large bowl. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil so it lightly emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • For the couscous: Heat the chicken broth in a pot over medium-high heat. Set another large pot over high heat and add the couscous. Allow the couscous to brown while you toss and stir it, about 5 minutes. When it is done it will be lightly browned and fragrant. Season the couscous with salt. Add the heated chicken broth to the couscous and shut off the heat. Cover and allow to stand for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.
  • Add the chopped vegetables to the vinaigrette and toss to coat everything evenly. Fold in the couscous and serve.

CURRIED COUSCOUS SALAD



Curried Couscous Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 medium head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons mild curry powder (recommended: Spice Islands)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (10-ounce box) couscous
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped, roasted and lightly salted cashews
1 (4-inch) piece cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 large lemon, zested
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder (recommended: Spice Islands)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cauliflower: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet liberally with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, toss the cauliflower and olive oil together until coated. Put in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Roast until golden and tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Salad: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth, curry powder and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and allow the couscous to absorb the liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Stir in the cooked cauliflower, cranberries, cashews, cucumber, parsley, and lemon zest. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil and curry powder until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Just before serving, add the dressing to the salad and toss well to coat.

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

For something fresh and Italian, make Rachael Ray's Caprese Salad recipe from 30 Minute Meals on Food Network; it's filled with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Coarse salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

TRACIE'S COUSCOUS SALAD



Tracie's Couscous Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 box flavored couscous (garlic or Parmesan), cooked
1 can chickpeas
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 to 3 limes, juiced

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients with the olive oil and lime juice, to taste.

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. -Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil on a serving platter. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients; drizzle over salad. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 161mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

COUSCOUS SALAD



Couscous Salad image

This couscous salad incorporates carrots, onions, and peas for a vegetable-filled dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Yield Makes about 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound (about 1 cup) fresh English peas, shelled
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, deveined, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus 1 pinch
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 1/2 cups water
3 ounces (1/2 cup) dried cranberries
2 cups couscous

Steps:

  • Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add shelled peas, and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to ice-water bath to stop cooking. Drain, and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper, carrot, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and carrots are tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt and curry powder, and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups water and dried cranberries. Bring to a boil. Stir in couscous and the cooked peas. Cover, and remove from heat; let sit for 5 minutes. Remove cover, and fluff with a fork. Serve immediately.

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD



The Best Caprese Salad image

This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!

Provided by ChefJackie

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

CLASSIC CAPRESE SALAD



Classic Caprese Salad image

This classic summer dish doesn't get any simpler or more delicious. Use different-colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest salad, and buffalo milk mozzarella for the best tasting one.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     brunch, easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound fresh, best-quality mozzarella (preferably buffalo milk)
4 medium heirloom tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves only, some reserved for garnish
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Coarsely ground black pepper
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
  • Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
  • On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 262, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 478 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

FRESH MOZZARELLA, TOMATO, AND BASIL COUSCOUS SALAD



Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad image

A lovely light salad from Cooking Light! You're used to seeing the cheese/tomato/basil combination, but have you had it with couscous before? Delicious! Prep time includes marinating.

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups diced tomatoes
3/4 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 3 ounces)
3 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (white balsamic or champagne vinegar okay) or 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (white balsamic or champagne vinegar okay)
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon tricolor pepper, to taste
1 garlic clove, crushed and minced
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl combine the tomato, mozzarella, shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic, toss well then refrigerate, covered, to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • In a saucepan bring the water to a boil and gradually stir in the couscous; remove from the stove, cover, and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • With a fork, fluff the couscous then let cool.
  • Add the cooled couscous and chopped basil to the tomato mixture in the bowl and toss.
  • Garnish with whole basil leaves and serve.
  • Note: part-skim mozzarella cheese can be substituted.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil.
  • If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute red wine vinegar.
  • If you're using store-bought pesto, be sure to choose a good quality brand.
  • You can add other ingredients to this salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
  • This salad is best served fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

Caprese couscous salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover couscous. With its fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.

Related Topics