Best 10 Cold Couscous Salad Recipes

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Cold couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is made with cooked couscous, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a dressing. The salad can be customized to your own liking, so you can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste. Cold couscous salad is a great way to use up leftover couscous, and it is also a healthy and nutritious meal. In this article, we will provide you with a few tips for making the best cold couscous salad, as well as some delicious recipes to try.

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

COOL COUSCOUS SALAD



Cool Couscous Salad image

Here's a refreshing lunch or dinner for hot summer days or any time you want to eat light. I combine hearty couscous and tangy feta cheese for Mediterranean flair, and then I top it off with my favorite balsamic vinaigrette for a punch of flavor. -Tiffany Blepp, Olathe, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/3 cup water
1/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/3 cup garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup seeded chopped cucumber
1 small plum tomato, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette
2 lettuce leaves
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., In a small bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, cucumber, tomato and couscous. Pour dressing over couscous mixture; toss to coat. Place lettuce leaves on 2 individual serving plates. Top with couscous mixture; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 484mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EASY COUSCOUS SALAD



Easy Couscous Salad image

This past summer was very hot and this salad fitted perfectly. Not too heavy, yet filling and above all, easy to make.

Provided by Chef Dudo

Categories     Grains

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup chicken broth or 1 cup vegetable broth
3/4 cup couscous
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon lemon, zest of
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup scallion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper (to season)

Steps:

  • Bring stock to a boil in a heavy saucepan.
  • Stir in couscous.
  • Cover pan, remove from heat and set aside 15 minutes Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard and lemon zest in a small bowl.
  • Mix well.
  • Transfer couscous to a large bowl.
  • Fluff with a fork.
  • Add tomatoes, red bell pepper, celery, cucumber, scallions and parsley to bowl with cooked couscous.
  • Mix gently.
  • Pour dressing over mixture and mix again.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Can be served luke-warm or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.1, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 253.5, Carbohydrate 34.2, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 5.9, Protein 7

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.

SUMMER GARDEN COUSCOUS SALAD



Summer Garden Couscous Salad image

This couscous salad makes the most of summer's bounty. I used to prepare it with a mayonnaise dressing, but lightened it with lemon vinaigrette. It's even better now! -Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place corn in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 6-9 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, onion and parsley. Drain corn and immediately place in ice water. Drain and pat dry; cut the kernels from the cobs. Add to cucumber mixture. Stir in couscous., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice and seasonings. Pour over couscous mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY-COUSCOUS SALAD



Cranberry-Couscous Salad image

Add some Mediterranean flavor to your dinner with this couscous, nuts and cranberry salad made using Progresso® chicken broth - ready in 30 minutes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup chopped green onions (about 5 medium)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves or parsley

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat broth, cranberries, cinnamon and cumin to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in couscous. Cover; let stand 15 minutes. Fluff with fork; let stand uncovered until cooled.
  • In small bowl, beat oil and vinegar with whisk; pour over couscous. Add almonds, onions and mint; toss well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302, Carbohydrate 34 g, Fat 3, Fiber 3 1/2 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 218 mg

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

A fresh and light salad of Israeli couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, spinach, and herbs drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing. Serve by itself or alongside your favorite protein.

Provided by The Natalie Method

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 1h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Israeli couscous, uncooked
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup quartered black olives
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
¼ cup julienned fresh mint leaves
¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves
lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add dry couscous and saute until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until couscous is tender and all liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
  • While the couscous is cooling, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and Dijon mustard together for the dressing in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Transfer cooled couscous to a serving bowl. Add cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, olives, scallions , parsley, mint, and basil. Pour dressing over top and mix to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 45.7 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 635.8 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

10-MINUTE COUSCOUS SALAD



10-minute couscous salad image

This makes a great lunchbox filler for a day out and is equally good at home from the fridge

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Lunch, Main course

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

100g couscous
200ml hot low salt vegetable stock (from a cube is fine)
2 spring onions
1 red pepper
½ cucumber
50g feta cheese, cubed
2tbsp pesto
2tbsp pine nuts

Steps:

  • Tip the couscous into a large bowl and pour over the stock. Cover, then leave for 10 mins until fluffy and all the stock has been absorbed. Meanwhile, slice the onions and pepper, and dice the cucumber. Add these to the couscous, fork through the pesto, crumble in the feta, then sprinkle over pine nuts to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 327 calories, Fat 17 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 13 grams protein, Sodium 0.88 milligram of sodium

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS SALAD



Mediterranean Couscous Salad image

Quick-cooking couscous lends to the 20-minute prep time of this Greek-style salad.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1 cup cubed plum (Roma) tomatoes (3 medium)
1 cup cubed unpeeled cucumber (1 small)
1/2 cup halved pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 4 medium)
1/4 cup chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat broth to boiling. Stir in couscous; remove from heat. Cover; let stand 5 minutes.
  • In large bowl, place tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions and dill weed. Stir in couscous.
  • In small bowl, beat lemon juice, oil and salt with wire whisk until well blended; pour over vegetable mixture and toss. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour to blend flavors.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 250 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

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.

CREAMY COUSCOUS SALAD



Creamy Couscous Salad image

This is a summer salad with a Mediterranean flare! I created it for RSC #7. You can add a chopped bell pepper and increase the amount of mint if you desire, or throw in some other fresh herbs of your choice. See the notes in parentheses to make this dairy-free.

Provided by Kree6528

Categories     Grains

Time 25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (Galaxy Foods also makes feta soy cheese crumbles)
1 (8 ounce) container plain yogurt (or soy yogurt)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Place couscous in a large bowl and pour boiling water over the top. Let it soak for 10 minutes for the grains to swell, then fluff it with a fork.
  • Add the tomato, chickpeas, and feta to the couscous.
  • In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, mint, and salt and pepper.
  • Pour the yogurt mixture over the couscous and mix well to combine.
  • Eat it as is or chill it in the refrigerator for a real Summer treat. It's even better when the flavors combine for at least an hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.4, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 16.4, Sodium 376.3, Carbohydrate 42, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 3, Protein 10.7

Tips:

  • Choose the right couscous: For a light and fluffy salad, use a coarse-grained couscous. If you prefer a chewier texture, opt for a medium-grained couscous.
  • Cook the couscous properly: To avoid mushy or undercooked couscous, follow the package instructions carefully. Generally, you'll need to bring water or broth to a boil, add the couscous, and then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fluff the couscous: Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
  • Let the couscous cool: Before adding other ingredients, let the couscous cool slightly so that it doesn't wilt the vegetables or other delicate ingredients.
  • Use fresh, flavorful ingredients: The fresher and more flavorful your ingredients, the better your salad will be. Choose ripe vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and use a high-quality olive oil and vinegar.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make a cold couscous salad. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a vinaigrette, a yogurt-based dressing, or a tahini-based dressing.

Conclusion:

Cold couscous salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and versatile dish that's perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. With its endless variations and ability to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, it's a dish that everyone can enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's both delicious and nutritious, give cold couscous salad a try.

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