Best 7 Couscous And Cucumber Salad Recipes

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Cool and refreshing, couscous and cucumber salad is a delightful dish enjoyed by many. Typically made with fluffy couscous, crisp cucumber, zesty lemon dressing, and a variety of herbs and spices, this flavorful salad is the perfect side dish or light lunch. With endless variations catering to different tastes and dietary preferences, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a more creative take, there's a couscous and cucumber salad recipe out there to satisfy your palate.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SALMON AND COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CUCUMBER-FETA DRESSING



Salmon and Couscous Salad With Cucumber-Feta Dressing image

The dressing in this 30-minute recipe is inspired by green goddess dressing and mast-o khiar, a Persian side dish of cucumbers and yogurt. Here, thick yogurt is combined with fresh herbs, tangy feta and crunchy Persian cucumbers. If you have trouble finding Persian cucumbers, they can be swapped for similarly sweet-skinned English cucumbers or peeled regular cucumbers. Flaking the salmon into the salad evenly distributes it and is a nice alternative to serving a fillet for dinner. Leftover salad can be enjoyed cold for lunch the next day, freshened up with a squeeze of lime juice and more fresh herbs.

Provided by Yasmin Fahr

Categories     brunch, dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, seafood, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 (6-ounce) skin-on (or skinless) salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 limes, 1 halved and 1 zested and juiced
1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
1 1/2 cups baby arugula
1 cup thick, full-fat yogurt, such as Greek, Skyr or labneh
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, cilantro or dill leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
1/4 packed cup fresh mint leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
1 Persian cucumber, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup)
2 scallions, light green and white parts sliced

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In the center of a sheet pan, place salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry, then coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Coat 1 of the lime halves in some of the olive oil in the pan, then place cut-side up in the corner.
  • Roast the salmon on the center rack until opaque on the outside and light pink in the center, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • While the salmon roasts, make the couscous: In a lidded pot over medium-high heat, toast the couscous, uncovered, stirring until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, season with salt, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain an active simmer, then cook until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous in a colander, then drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Stir in the arugula, letting it wilt. Leave in the sink to cool slightly while you make the dressing.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a serving bowl, combine the yogurt with 1/4 cup room temperature water and the zest and juice of 1 lime, then whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin, plus 1/4 cup feta, most of the herbs (reserving some for garnish) and the cucumber. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.
  • Add the cooked couscous and arugula to the yogurt mixture, tossing to combine. Remove the salmon from the skin, then flake with a fork. Add half the salmon to the couscous, mixing it together. Place the remaining salmon on top, squeeze the roasted lime half over the dish, then garnish with the scallions, remaining feta, parsley and mint. Quarter the remaining lime half and serve it on the side.

LEMON HERB CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD



Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous and Cucumber Salad image

Chicken breasts dressed with lemon and herbs are served with couscous and a bright cucumber feta salad in this weeknight dinner recipe.

Provided by Julie Hubert

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes     Pasta

Time 46m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1 (10 ounce) box couscous
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 (4 ounce) thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
1 English cucumber, chopped
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand until broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.
  • Whisk 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and oregano together in a bowl to make dressing.
  • Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup dressing on top. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Place 3 tablespoons dressing in a large bowl; stir in sugar. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add feta cheese and toss again.
  • Drizzle remaining dressing over couscous and fold in olives. Divide couscous among 4 plates. Slice chicken breasts and place on top. Serve tomato salad on the side. Sprinkle parsley over each plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.2 calories, Carbohydrate 68.4 g, Cholesterol 84.3 mg, Fat 42.2 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 37.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1566.8 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

COUSCOUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD



Couscous and Cucumber Salad image

Encourage guests to squeeze the juice from the lemon wedges on to the salad.

Provided by KRISTAB

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Cucumber Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

10 ounces uncooked couscous
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
½ cup finely chopped green onions
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
6 leaves lettuce
6 slices lemon

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 3/4 cup water to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir in cucumber, green onion, parsley, basil and couscous. Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Line a plate with lettuce leaves. Spoon couscous mixture over leaves and garnish with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.6 g, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 227.2 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVES



Israeli Couscous Salad With Asparagus, Cucumber and Olives image

From Bon Appetit, June 2006. I discovered Israeli couscous at a restaurant over a year ago and set out to find it to try in standard couscous recipes. (Believe it or not I found Israeli couscous for sale at Safeway grocery store by sheer accident!) Quite thrilled to find this recipe very recently!

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (homemade is best) or 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best)
2 cups israeli couscous, toasted
2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, blanched
2 cups English cucumbers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olive, pitted, cut in half
2 large green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (plus a few sprigs for garnish-*NOT* dried mint!)
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • In a small non-reactive bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Stir in the couscous. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the couscous is tender and all the broth is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cool the couscous to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, stir in the blanched asparagus, cucumber, olives, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Gently mix in the feta cheese.
  • Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.4, Fat 20.9, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 395.5, Carbohydrate 39.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 11.1

CUCUMBER AND ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Cucumber and Israeli Couscous Salad image

I love this tabbouleh-like mixture because of all the herbs and refreshing flavors, and also because of the nice contrast in textures. Make sure that you cook the couscous until the spheres are tender but not gummy. I have seen package directions that call for too little water; make sure you cook them in twice their volume of water.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Israeli couscous
6 to 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped
3/4 pound cucumbers (1 European or 4 Persian), seeded if using regular cucumbers, cut in fine dice
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped, or 1/4 cup chopped chives
Salt to taste
1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried

Steps:

  • Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
  • Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions or chives and salt to taste. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 174, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 424 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD



ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Vegetarian

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-1/2 cups low salt chicken broth or stock
2 cups toasted Israeli couscous (couscous grande - instructions for toasting are on package)
2 cups 1/2-inch pieces thin asparagus spears, blanched 2 minutes
2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
2 large green onions
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
1-1/2 cups coursely crumbled feta cheese (about 7 ounces)

Steps:

  • Press garlic clove into small bowl. Add lemon juice and mustard; whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Bring broth to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in couscous. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until couscous is tender and all broth is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to large bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 45 minutes. Mix asparagus, cucumber, oliver, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves into couscous. Add dressing; toss. Gently mix in cheese. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.

COUSCOUS AND CRAB SALAD WITH CUCUMBER JUICE AND MINT



Couscous And Crab Salad With Cucumber Juice And Mint image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 10m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup cucumber juice (see recipe)
1/2 cup uncooked instant couscous
2 cups lump crab meat, picked over for shells
15 small cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place 3/4 cup of the cucumber juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir with a fork. Place in a bowl and set aside to cool.
  • Add the crab meat, cherry tomatoes, onion, mint and lemon and lime rinds and toss to coat. Toss in the remaining cucumber juice. Season with the salt and pepper. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 158, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 413 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have any fresh mint, you can use dried mint instead. Just be sure to use half the amount, as dried mint is more concentrated.
  • You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots.
  • If you're making this salad ahead of time, be sure to store it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve this salad as a side dish or main course.

Conclusion:

This couscous and cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for summer. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give this one a try.

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