A refreshing and vibrant couscous salad tossed with fresh herbs, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta cheese, finished with zesty lemon for a light yet satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and fuss-free: Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.

• Bright, fresh flavors: Lemon, cucumber, and herbs make this salad feel like sunshine in a bowl.

• Versatile side or main: Enjoy it solo as a light meal or pair with grilled proteins for a hearty dinner.

• Make-ahead friendly: Flavors deepen after chilling—ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 cucumber, diced

• ½ cup feta cheese, cubed

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large heatproof bowl, combine couscous, olive oil, and salt.

2. Pour in boiling water, stir once, then cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Fluff couscous with a fork to separate the grains and allow to cool slightly.

4. Add diced cucumber, cubed feta, chopped parsley, and mint.

5. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.

6. Season with black pepper and toss gently to combine.

7. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4 as a side dish

• Prep time: ~5–10 minutes

• Cook time: ~5 minutes

• Resting/chilling time: ~15–30 minutes

• Total time: ~25–45 minutes

Variations

• Add crunch: Stir in toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra texture.

• Expand the mix: Include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or chickpeas to bulk it up.

• Herb swaps: Try basil, dill, or cilantro in place of mint or parsley.

• Pearl couscous option: Use Israeli (pearl) couscous for a chewier bite.

• Vegan twist: Skip the feta or use plant-based alternatives without compromising flavor.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Flavors improve after sitting.

• Serve chilled or room temp: No reheating needed; enjoy directly from the fridge or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

• Meal prep tip: Prepare couscous and dressing ahead, add fresh ingredients later to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular (Israeli) couscous instead of instant?

Yes—Israeli (pearl) couscous works great. Cook it according to package directions before tossing with the rest.

2. How do I keep the cucumber from watering down the salad?

Drain diced cucumber on paper towels for a few minutes before adding to the salad to reduce excess moisture.

3. Can I substitute other herbs?

Absolutely. Dill, basil, cilantro, or a mix of your favorites will work well.

4. Is this gluten-free?

No—couscous is made from wheat. For a GF version, use quinoa instead.

5. Can I make this ahead?

Yes—the salad holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and flavor improves over time.

6. What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or lamb are excellent complements.

7. How do I re-fluff the couscous after chilling?

Gently stir with a fork, drizzle a splash of olive oil if needed, and fluff before serving.

8. Can I add a dressing?

Lemon juice works wonderfully on its own. If desired, whisk in a tablespoon of olive oil, Dijon mustard, or honey for a richer vinaigrette.

9. My couscous is clumpy—what happened?

Fluff it immediately after resting. If still clumping, gently break up with a fork before adding other ingredients.

10. Can I serve this warm?

Yes—serve warm shortly after dressing, before chilling. It also works at room temperature or chilled.

Conclusion

This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad with Feta is a simple yet flavorful dish that adapts to any occasion. With bright lemon, fresh herbs, crunchy cucumber, and creamy feta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, potlucks, or meal prep—and with countless variations to suit your taste.

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