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.
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
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
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.
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.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and basil. Add feta and nuts if using.
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.
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.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/couscous-salad-with-lime-basil-vinaigrette/