A very satisfying and light meal made with simple ingredients. We’ve got all of the flavours you know and love in the Mediterranean cuisine in a quick and easy salad recipe. How could something so simple taste so incredible?

The base of this salad here is obviously pearl couscous. Because it is larger in size, each scoop of salad is chewy and textured, and it has a naturally nutty flavour. It makes for a heartier salad and can hold its own when combined with the rest of the ingredients and dressing.

For best texture and flavour, I always make sure to combine fresh garden vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with other marinated favourites like artichoke hearts. Both cucumber and cherry tomatoes bring delightful freshness and colour to the salad.

I love throwing in a healthy amount of fresh basil, mint, and parsley or what other herbs are available for a big pop of flavour.

At the end, I throw in some feta cheese.

It would be best if you never skipped Feta Cheese and mint. The feta is creamy and satisfying, and the fresh mint makes the salad taste alive.

What really brings this Mediterranean couscous salad together and puts it over the top is the dressing. No surprise here, I use fresh lemon juice and an extra virgin olive oil for the vinaigrette and something sweet such as maple, honey or molasses. For an authentic Mediterranean flavour, add date honey if you find it. The sweetness of the dressing is entirely a personal choice. You may like it a bit tart or a bit sweeter.

This versatile dish makes a great lunch, light supper, or side, depending on your mood and hunger level. Serve it any time of the day and at any temperature. Serve it on its own for lunch, pile it on top of greens for dinner, or serve it next to chicken, fish, or steak as a satisfying side.

It is so easy to cook and a wonderful solution when you need a quick meal or a beautiful side to share. And you can make it ahead; the flavours deepen the next day.

One step I like to start with is toasting the pearl couscous in a little bit of good extra virgin olive oil. Toasting the couscous in extra virgin olive oil is a great way to deepen its colour and flavour. It takes very little time and makes a big difference.

Enjoy this fresh and extremely delicious salad! It is super easy.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I love seeing your take on my recipe!

Comment below with your experience, snap a pic, use #fast2eat and tag us on

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Youtube.

Thank you so much for reading, commenting, following and sharing.

Mediterranean pearl couscous salad Fast2eat

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

You will love this Mediterranean pearl couscous salad, loaded with nutrition and fabulous flavour of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, lots of fresh herbs, and tossed in a healthy olive oil and lemon juice dressing. It is ready in less than 30 minutes, absolutely delicious and utterly addictive! The homemade lemon vinaigrette delivers the perfect zippy, slightly sweet finishing touch!

Servings: 4 people

Author: Susana Macedo

Ingredients

1x2x3x

Cook couscous

• ▢ Olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup Pearl couscous - also known as Israeli couscous or ptitim
• ▢ Salt - to taste
• ▢ 2 cups Water - boling

Salad

• ▢ 1 cup Tomato - Cherry or grape tomatoes halved or Roma or plum or vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
• ▢ Mint - Fresh chopped
• ▢ Parsley - Fresh chopped
• ▢ Basil - Fresh, roughly chopped or torn
• ▢ ½ Red onion - or shallot – finely chopped
• ▢ 2 Artichoke - hearts, roughly chopped in chunks
• ▢ ¼ cup Feta cheese - crumbled
• ▢ 1 Cucumber - diced

Dressing

• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp Olive oil - or more for dressing the salad
• ▢ ½ tbsp Maple - or date honey, also known as ‘silan’ or honey or molasses
• ▢ Salt - optional to taste
• ▢ Black pepper - optional to taste

For garnish (Optional)

• ▢ Basil - Fresh, roughly chopped or torn

Instacart is available in the US only at the moment.

Instructions

Dressing

• ▢
  Place the ingredients in a bowl. It does not need much salt because of the feta cheese.
• ▢
  Whisk together to combine.
• ▢
  Set aside briefly.

Cook couscous

• ▢
  In a medium-sized heavy pot, heat the olive oil. Sauté the couscous in the olive oil briefly until golden brown and fragrant. Add boiling water and salt and simmer until couscous is al dente, for about 10 minutes.
• ▢
  When ready, drain in a colander.
• ▢
  Set aside in a bowl to cool.

Scald the sliced onion

• ▢
  Just throw boiled water on it, drain, rinse with cold water, drain and repeat the process. This will give it a smoother flavour and reduces its bitterness and pungency.

Preparing the salad

• ▢
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, mint, parsley, red onion, artichoke hearts, cucumber, and feta.
• ▢
  Then add the couscous, mint, basil and parsley and mix together gently.
• ▢
  Give the dressing a quick whisk and add it to the salad, and stir until coated.
• ▢
  Test and adjust salt and pepper, if needed. It does not need much salt because of the cheese. It may need fresh black pepper.
• ▢
  Garnish with more fresh basil and serve at room temperature or cold straight from the refrigerator.
• ▢
  While you can enjoy this couscous right away at room temperature, I personally think it tastes better cold, as the flavours have had a chance to develop and marry. Refrigerate salad 8 hours to overnight for flavours to blend.

Video

Notes

What is Pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous, Jerusalem couscous, ptitim, or Giant couscous)?

It is a variety of small, chewy, toasted balls made from semolina flour — the same flour used to make dry pasta, which means they’re essentially a type of pasta, too.

Pearl couscous tends to have a nuttier flavour because it is actually toasted before it is packaged, which results in a deeper and earthier flavour that is more reminiscent of grain than pasta.

It is often inaccurately thought of as an ancient grain or a whole grain since it resembles a small rice grain.

If you happen to come across whole-wheat pearl couscous, Give it a try. The darker brown pearls have extra fibre and nutrients, which boosts the wholesomeness of the dish.

If you have never had pearl couscous before, you are in for a real treat! It is healthy, and the pearls nestle into every forkful. It is not overly chewy and allows the other ingredients to shine. It soaks up all of the delicious flavours of whatever dressing you are using.

Note that 1 cup of dried raw pearl couscous should end up giving you roughly 3 cups of cooked couscous.

Do I need to rinse it before cooking?

No. Unlike grains, such as rice, quinoa or barley, couscous does not need to be rinsed with water before cooking. Rinsing is used to remove excess starches from grains; however, couscous is a type of pasta and does not contain many free starches.

Salad Variations

I love a versatile dish that can play many roles--a large hearty salad, lunch, or light dinner, depending on what one is in the mood for.

I encourage you to make this dish your own! Get creative and add your favourite ingredients! This Mediterranean salad can take so many different variations, so take advantage and make sure to use what ingredients you have on hand as much as possible.

• Particularly if you have this salad as your main course, I think it is important to amp it up with some protein—chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, add protein, carbs, and fibre, and it provides a nutty and uniquely satisfying flavour. I like to cook them, but you may also use a canned version, make sure to rinse and drain for a bit.
• Other bean options like white beans or kidney beans will work well here too. You can also try to add lentils.
• Olives, such as pitted kalamata olives, will add a salty Mediterranean taste.
• Not into feta? You can try a different kind of cheese such as fresh mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, mozzarella pearls, or grated aged gouda can also be used! Or a different kind of cheese. As I always say, "With enough cheese, anything is good!”
• To keep this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
• Use whole-wheat couscous if you are following the Mediterranean diet more strictly.
• An English seedless cucumber is my personal preference, but other cucumber varieties may also be used. Also, you can choose to peel the cucumber or leave the skin on.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes are the best type to use in salads since they do not release a lot of liquid. However, you can also try Roma or plum or vine-ripened tomatoes or another flavorful variety instead.
• Red onion is the most traditional type of onion to use, but a shallot (adds a mellow, sweet onion flavour), white or sweet onion may also be substituted.
• Looking to turn this dish into a main meal? Try toss in succulent shrimp, seared salmon, rotisserie shredded chicken, sliced steak, flaked fish or tofu!
• Fresh baby arugula offers an herbaceous, peppery flavour and slightly spicy taste. Plus, it is packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins. Baby arugula has a more delicate taste; however, you can use mature arugula instead. Try using mixed greens, watercress, baby spinach or a spring mix!
• Want to boost the nutritional value and add texture? Try throwing in Garden Fresh Vegetables, such as fresh corn, diced bell peppers, grated zucchini, Broccoli, and Carrots.
• Flavourful marinated vegetables are a wonderful way to add rich, luxurious flavour! Add in roasted red peppers or marinated mushrooms!
• Oil-packed Slow-Roasted Tomato or Dried tomatoes add an intense naturally sweet, luscious flavour and delicious chewy texture.
• Chewy dried fruits are a fantastic way to add more texture! Dried cranberries(craisins), sultana, apricots, cherries or raisins are all great options!
• If you are looking to add an incredibly delicious, buttery flavour – try creamy, rich avocado!
• This dish relies on different fragrant fresh herbs for a burst of bright, fresh flavour! Thinly sliced scallions add a touch of delicate onion flavour. In addition to dill, the green onions, chives, or cilantro are delicious too. You can use a combination of your personal favourites for the most flavour or, you can use just one herb if desired.
• I personally love crunchy toasted pine nuts in this dish. However, pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds work as well!
• Ground sumac for a tangy, lemony spice flavour. Or zaatar spice for an aromatic blend with both earthy and subtle citrus undertones and just a hint of nuttiness.
• I love the light smokiness that smoked paprika adds to the recipe.

Dressing variation

• Infuse the dressing with a little dill weed (dry or fresh is fine.) Dill weed is underutilized, but it can really add an extra layer of fresh flavour that will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible.
• Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves.
• You will want to make sure and use a higher-quality olive oil for the best flavour. I would NOT recommend using a different type of oil.
• Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balances out the olive oil, and provides a punch of tangy flavour in the vinaigrette dressing. Try to avoid using the bottled lemon juice if you can.
• The lemon zest gives the couscous a bright, zippy flavour.
• The bold Dijon adds a zippy and tangy addition to the dressing.

Make-ahead

You can make this couscous salad the evening before if you like, toss it, and keep it in the fridge in a tight lid container. The flavours will deepen overnight; just be sure to give the salad a quick toss to refresh before serving. It stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you’d like to meal prep this recipe for the week, you totally can! Hold the dressing, onions, tomatoes, and cheese and use as you need for each lunch portion. It should keep well in the fridge in a tight-lid container for 5-7 days.

While I do not recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy, you can freeze cooked couscous in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Equipments - Click to Buy Now

Large Pot with Strainer Lid

Colander

Plastic Mixing Bowls

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Stainless Steel Whisk

Silicone Whisk

Silicone spoon

Citrus juicer

Manual Citrus juicer

Disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchases made by using these links don’t cost any extra and provides Fast2eat with a few pennies to keep the lights on.”

How do you get a quick and nutritious meal on the table at the end of a busy day?

I love creating fast and healthy meals that can make a huge difference.

Check outMy latest recipes

Course : Appetizers & Starters, Lunch & dinner, Main Dish, Salad, Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine : Mediterranean

Keyword : "Appetizer", "Mediterranean", "Salad", "Side dish", "Vegetarian", 30 minutes meals, Easy, Easy Recipes, easy side dish, easy-to-prepare, Fast, Israeli couscous, Jerusalem couscous, Mediterranean diet, Mediterranean Pearl couscous Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Pearl couscous, Pearl couscous Salad, ptitim, Quick, quick & easy, quick and easy, Quick Recipes, Salad Dressing

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 543mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Remember to follow usSnap a pic, use #Fast2eat and tag @Fast2eatca on Instagram.

Share on Facebook

Check out what I’ve been busy cooking!

Latest Recipes

Homemade oven-dried tomatoes Fast2eat

Slow baked in the oven makes these oven-dried tomatoes the best. Drizzle with olive oil, toss with spices to make the perfect appetizer or side dish.

Check out this recipe

Slow-Roasted Tomato Fast2eat Recipe

Basically, tossing them in olive oil, dusting with a bit of salt, garlic and herbs, and baking at a low temperature for an hour – makes them unbelievable.

Check out this recipe

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Fast2eat

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a mouthwatering summer favourite. Sweet ripe tomatoes with pillowy soft mozzarella and fresh basil drizzled with a delicious balsamic reduction that you can make ahead of time or if you don’t have time, pick one up at the store.

Check out this recipe

Chopped Blue Cheese Salad Fast2eat Recipe

This salad, which is very similar to my favourite one from Outback Steakhouse, is a blend of fresh flavours (mixed greens with shredded carrots, red cabbage, green onions, sweet candied pecans, tossed with Blue Cheese vinaigrette and topped with Blue Cheese crumbles). You will absolutely fall in love with this recipe.

Check out this recipe

Tabule Fast2eat Recipe

Tabule is a vegetarian dish (sometimes considered a salad) made of Bulgar, tomatoes, finely chopped fresh mint, parsley, green onion, and onion, all tossed and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

Check out this recipe

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie with Feta Cheese) Fast2eat

Spanakopita is a popular Greek savoury pie made of perfectly shatteringly crisp, phyllo (or fillo) pastry dough with a comforting filling of soft sweet spinach and salty feta mixture.

Check out this recipe

Basic Emulsified Salad Dressing Fast2eat

Got two minutes? Along with Olive oil, Dijon Mustard and Balsamic vinegar, that’s all you need to make a simple homemade vinaigrette. You can go from spending money on salad dressing to making your own healthier, tastier dressing at home.

Check out this recipe

Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Ham & Cheese Omelette Fast2eat

This is everything an omelette should be and more, with the condensed flavour of the chopping Homemade oven-dried tomatoes, Turkey deli ham, Broccoli, and lots of cheese for a little extra delicious flavour.

Check out this recipe

Baked Kibbeh Fast2eat Recipe

It freezes wonderfully so make a big batch and freeze extras for another night. When making it ahead you can freeze the casserole raw, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake. Or bake it ahead, refrigerate for up to two days or freeze, then reheat in the oven, thawed.

Check out this recipe

Egyptian Goulash (Phyllo sausage & cheese Pie) Fast2eat

The phyllo dough is so flavourful, flaky yet crispy and buttery. It is easy, quick, tastes yummy and looks fantastic. Leftovers taste great!

Egyptian goulash is a hearty, filling meal that kids and adults enjoy. A savoury pastry you can not stop eating!

Check out this recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Brussels Sprout Fast2eat

This simple healthy stir fry is one of my recent favourites. The amazing flavour combination of the honey caramelized sprouts, garlicky shrimp, and sesame oil is easy, fast, tasty and irresistible! And it comes together in 20 minutes! Nothing better than an easy, delicious, and healthy real food meal!

Check out this recipe

Sea scallops with creamy garlic parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli Fast2eat

This Sea scallops with creamy garlic parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and broccoli is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home with minimal ingredients and maximum flavour!

Check out this recipe

Three-Cheese & leek quiche Fast2eat

A vegetarian twist on the classic French recipe quiche Lorraine, this cheese and leek quiche is rich and flavourful. A fast, surprisingly good quiche “leekraine” that makes a great centrepiece at any time of year.

Check out this recipe

Garlic Roasted Asparagus Fast2eat

This Garlic Roasted Asparagus is the most flavourful and perfect side dish! The recipe is quick, easy and delicious served at brunch, lunch or dinner!

Check out this recipe

Baked Salmon and Asparagus in Foil Fast2eat

It is a fast, easy, healthy and delicious 30-minute meal with fantastic flavours and full of healthy fats and protein. It’s perfect for busy weeknights! It is also great for grilling out in the backyard, camping or picnicking.

Check out this recipe

Flavourful Salmon Fast2eat

Pungent Dijon Mustard is classic pairings for salmon. The Greek yogurt creamy coating helps keep the fish moist. It's so tasty and so yummy on the fish. Enjoy!

Check out this recipe

Perfect Air Fryer Juicy Steak Fast2eat

It really takes no skill at all to create the perfect steak when it’s cooked in the air fryer. It’s hard to believe that steak can come out so surprisingly juicy and delicious. No mess, no splashing oil, just tasty beef steak cooked to perfection!

Check out this recipe

Trout fillets with Almonds & Capers Fast2eat

Trout is such a wonderful fish and has a fabulous flavour, combine with a sauce made with tangy lemon juice, piquant capers, and butter. Sauteed almonds make a zesty topping, the perfect combination for the tender, flaky fish.

Check out this recipe

Want More? Check Out My Cookbooks!

Did you know you could make more than bread in the bread machine? My cookbooks will walk you through how you can make pizza dough, pasta, cake, and of course, bread in a bread machine. With over 130 recipes, there is something for everyone!

Don’t have a bread machine? No problem! The book contains a guide to convert all bread machine recipes to manual recipes. The guide also allows you to convert manual recipes you may already have to bread machine recipes.

Check out “Bread Machine Foolproof Recipes” and “Bread Machine Tips and Tricks” on Amazon!

Disclosure: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Hungry for more? Follow us on Social Media!

We post new recipes every Friday! Stay up to date by following us on

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Youtube

All Your Favourite Recipes in One Place!

Become a member of Fast2eat and get these benefits:

• Save, upload, and track all of your favourite recipes.
• Plan your meal for the week with the Fast2eat Meal Calendar.
• Create a full course menu for special events.
• Personalize and create as many recipe collections as you want.
• Generate shopping lists.

Join us for free by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Youtube!

Got a question or feedback? Please comment below! That way, other readers will be able to see the answers to your question and will benefit from your feedback.

Get in Touch!

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.