Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Middle East with just one bite - our Hot Couscous Salad is exactly that culinary magic! Bursting with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will revolutionize your meal routine. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food enthusiast, this quick and easy recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Couscous
- Vegetable broth
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Boil the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over high heat.
- Remove broth from heat and pour over couscous in a large heat-resistant bowl. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to allow couscous to absorb liquid completely.
- Fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains and release steam.
- Dice the cucumber and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop fresh parsley leaves, discarding the thick stems.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a dressing.
- Add diced vegetables and chopped parsley to the cooked couscous.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the couscous and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Use hot vegetable broth for maximum flavor absorption - this ensures your couscous is perfectly seasoned from within.
- Let the couscous rest covered after adding broth to ensure even, fluffy texture.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and even dressing distribution.
- Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil for the dressing to elevate the overall taste.
- Allow the salad to sit for 5 minutes after dressing to let flavors meld and develop.
- For added protein, consider mixing in chickpeas, feta cheese, or grilled chicken.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor profile and most enjoyable eating experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
