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+ servings
Summer Couscous Salad

Bright and Zesty Summer Couscous Salad You’ll Love

A refreshing Summer Couscous Salad that blends seasonal produce. Vibrant, quick, and versatile—perfect for any summer gathering!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil can swap with avocado oil
  • 1 handful fresh parsley can replace with cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice lime juice is an alternative
  • 1 tablespoon honey use maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard can use yellow mustard instead
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes omit for milder flavor
  • to taste kosher salt regular salt can be used
Salad
  • 1 cup water essential for cooking couscous
  • 1 cup couscous substitute with quinoa for gluten-free
  • 2 cups arugula baby spinach or mixed greens can be used
  • 1 piece Persian cucumber can substitute with regular cucumbers
  • 1 piece avocado omit if allergic, or use avocado oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes can use diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels canned corn works if rinsed
  • ½ cup feta cheese omit for dairy-free, use vegan feta

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and season with kosher salt to your taste. Once well combined, set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.
  2. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a medium-sized pot over high heat. Stir in 1 cup of couscous along with a pinch of salt, then cover and remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water and becomes tender. Fluff the couscous gently with a fork.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the fluffed couscous, 2 cups of arugula, and a generous handful of fresh parsley. Next, chop 1 Persian cucumber, 1 avocado, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and add 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels. Fold in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy richness.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until well coated.
  5. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve immediately for freshness, or refrigerate and toss in avocado right before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store dressing separately until serving. Avocado should be added just before serving to prevent browning. Let salad chill for 15-30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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