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why you’ll love this recipe

• Pearled Couscous Salad is quick and easy to make!
• The perfect meal for a cookout, bbq or summer party.
• Refreshing, crisp and full of flavor.
• Aside from the pearled couscous, this salad has no cooking required.
• Loaded with flavor, nutrients and topped with a zesty lemony dressing.
• Extremely versatile! Can be enjoyed as a main or side dish.
• Rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Check out this healthy greek pasta salad for another great recipe!

ingredients and Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Pearled Couscous Salad. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

The salad

This salad is made with a base of Pearled Couscous which is also known as Israeli couscous. It has a similar texture to pasta and is soft and gummy. I love using the Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil by Near East.

Use fresh organic or non-organic bell peppers. You can use any color that you prefer, but I love using one orange, red and yellow for color.

Cucumber adds crunch and flavor. You can use regular or Persian.

Red onion adds a spicy, but mild flavor to this salad.

Cherry tomatoes are bright, sweet and add a juicy flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can also use grape tomatoes.

Fresh parsley is bright, herbaceous, and slightly bitter. It adds a lovely contrast which helps emphasize the other flavors in this salad.

For a boost of protein, add in drained and rinsed chickpeas.

The dressing

Use freshly squeezed lemons rather than lemon from a jar for best results.

Red wine vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances nicely with the fresh lemon juice.

I recommend using dijon mustard rather than yellow mustard.

Freshly minced garlic adds way more flavor than garlic from a jar, however both will work.

Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil from maximum flavor.

Salt and pepper to taste.

how to make

ONE: Start by preparing the pearled couscous as according to package. When ready, allow to cool to room temperature and then add to the fridge for a minimum 1 hour to cool completely.

TWO: Next prep the veggies. You can either finely chop the bell peppers, cucumbers and red onion with a knife or use a vegetable chopper like this one from amazon.

THREE: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and finely chop the fresh parsley. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Option to add in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.

FOUR: Next, prepare the dressing by whisking all ingredients together in a small bowl.

FOUR: When ready, in a large mixing bowl add in the pearled couscous and top it off with the chopped veggies. Mix until well combined.

FIVE: Serve salad and top with dressing and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

Prepare the pearled couscous the night before to help save on time.

Only add dressing to what portion you will be eating at that time.

Use a vegetable chopper for quick and easy chopping. If using a knife, make sure to finely chop all the vegetables.

How to serve and store

Serve this couscous salad as a main or side dish. Add on your favorite protein such as chickpeas or chicken for a complete meal.

Store salad and dressing separately in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Taste and Texture

Mediterranean couscous salad is crunchy, refreshing and full of flavor. It has a light tangy flavor that’s filled with herbs.

frequently asked questions

other recipes you may like

• Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
• Fruit Salad
• Whipped Feta
• Vegan Tzatziki
• Whipped Eggplant

If you make these Pearled Couscous Salad, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest!