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Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

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This bright and zesty couscous salad is bursting with fresh veggies, herbs, and a refreshing lime basil vinaigrette. It’s quick to make, perfect for picnics or meal prep, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Couscous Salad:

  • 1 cup couscous

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced

  • ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds (optional)

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lime Basil Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Couscous:
    In a heatproof bowl, pour boiling water over couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

  2. Make the Vinaigrette:
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, zest, mustard, honey, garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Assemble the Salad:
    In a large bowl, combine couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and basil. Add feta and nuts if using.

  4. Dress and Serve:
    Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Try adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or avocado for extra protein.

  • Use pearl couscous for a slightly chewier texture.