Skip to Content

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

We’re crushing hard on this Mediterranean inspired salad at the moment and for good reason. The Israeli couscous is cooked to perfection and tossed with a tangy dressing and loads of fresh produce.

Categories:

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers

Your New Favorite Couscous Salad Recipe.

Pearl or Israeli couscous has quickly become one of our favorite grains to use in salads, especially for summer dining, especially in cold salads like this Mediterranean couscous salad. Did you know that Isreali couscous is actually a pasta? Unlike North African couscous, which is made from durham wheat, Isreali couscous is made from semolina flour (just like pasta is). Larger than other varieties of couscous, it packs a perfectly toothsome punch, and pairs perfectly with a zesty dressing like the one used in this salad, made with red wine vinegar, oregano lemon and garlic. Add all the fresh summer veggies and you’ve got yourself a pretty incredible stand alone dish or the perfect summer side dish to complete your grilled steak or chicken dinner. Make a huge batch and keep it in the fridge all week for a quick dinner on the fly, or simple side dish—it keeps great!

ingredients laid out for Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers oregano, feta and olives
a measuring cup full of couscous
Greek Vinaigrette on a spoon over a small bowl
cucumber, couscous, olives, peperoncini, parsley, onions and tomatoes in a bowl

How to Make This Easy Couscous Salad.

All the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers popping up everywhere are put to good use in this summery salad, and the only thing you’ll have to cook is the couscous itself. This magical little grain can be cooked in ten minutes and then tossed with warm water to avoid clumping. Once the couscous has cooled, just add:

  • Olive oil
  • Tomatoes
  • Feta
  • Onions
  • Olives
  • Red onions
  • Parsley
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers with vinaigrette
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers

Tools You Will Need:

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers

More Go-To Summer Bbq Salads

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with tomatoes and onions and cucumbers

Israeli Couscous Salad, Your New Summertime BFF?

If you love this Mediterranean couscous salad so much, why don’t you marry it? Or at least bring it to your next summer shindig. When you do, we want to see it in all its glory. Be sure to tag us on instagram using @themoderproper or #themodernproper

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

  • Serves: 6
  • Prep Time:  20 min
  • Cook Time:  10 min
  • Calories: 260

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried pearl couscous, prepared according to package instructions
  • 4 oz feta
  • 1/2 cup Olives
  • 1 english cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncinis (optional), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

Mediterranean Salad Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method

  1. In a small bowl whisk all ingredients for the salad dressing until fully emulsified. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  2. Cook the couscous according the package. Before using the couscous, allow it to cool completely.
  3. Rinse the couscous in warm water to separate and toss in a large bowl with all of the other ingredients.
  4. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories260
  • Protein7 g
  • Carbohydrates23 g
  • Total Fat15 g
  • Dietary Fiber2 g
  • Cholesterol17 mg
  • sodium474 mg
  • Total Sugars3 g

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

or
  • Julie Neberman Olson

    Mediterranean Couscous Salad
    Is it 2 cups already cooked couscous or 2 cups uncooked couscous?

    Love your recipes, thank you!

    Thanks Julie, so glad you're enjoying the recipes! It's 2 cups uncooked, then prepare that according to the package instructions.

  • Peter

    Tried it by following the recipe exactly the first time and it was a bit too acidic. After a second go where I cut the amount of red wine vinegar in half this has become my favorite Mediterranean cous cous salad out if all the recipes I've tried.

    Thanks for trying it Peter! Glad you found a way to make it work for your taste!