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The Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a bright and tasty dish. It takes only 30 minutes to make. This salad serves four and uses simple, fresh ingredients. You can find the full recipe above. Here are the main ingredients you will need: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a salad that is fresh and full of flavor. The couscous acts as a base, soaking up the tasty dressing. You can add a few optional ingredients to make this salad even better: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Other herbs like basil or dill - Sweet bell peppers for a crunch - Cooked chickpeas for protein These add-ins let you change the flavors to suit your taste. Feel free to mix and match! Start by bringing the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. This step is key. Once the broth is bubbling, take the pot off the heat. Now, stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and let it sit for about five minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the liquid. After five minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature before mixing it with the veggies. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled couscous. Now, toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese if you like. Use a gentle hand when mixing. You want all the ingredients to blend well without mushiness. The bright colors of the veggies will make your salad look great! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings the salad to life. Once it’s well mixed, pour it over the couscous mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for at least ten minutes. This resting time helps the flavors mix even more. You can find the full recipe above for easy reference. To make your couscous just right, use the right liquid ratio. I recommend 1 cup of couscous to 1 1/4 cups of broth. This balance keeps it fluffy. Once the couscous absorbs the broth, fluff it with a fork. This step helps prevent clumps. Let it cool to room temperature before mixing in other ingredients. Use fresh herbs for the best taste. Parsley and mint add a bright flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They give it that zesty kick. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. Adjust to your liking for a perfect flavor balance. Serve this salad in a large bowl for sharing. You can also plate it for individual servings. Garnish with more lemon zest and herbs for a pretty touch. This dish is great chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies in this salad. Try bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Zucchini adds a mild flavor. Roasted carrots bring warmth and depth. You can also add spinach or arugula for a leafy twist. The key is to keep it fresh and colorful. Want to make this salad heartier? Add some protein! Grilled chicken works great and gives a nice flavor. Shrimp adds a touch of the sea. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas offer protein and texture. You can also mix in hard-boiled eggs for richness. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you need a gluten-free dish, use quinoa or rice instead of couscous. Both give a similar texture. Quinoa is packed with protein, making it a healthy choice. Rice is easy to find and works well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on what you choose. You can still enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe above. To keep your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This salad stays good for about three days. If you notice any extra moisture, simply drain it before eating. You can freeze this salad, but it may lose some texture. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. Press out any air to avoid freezer burn. It’s best to eat it within a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, avoid using the microwave if you can. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors return to life. If you must use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir the salad gently to warm it evenly. Always check the taste before serving again. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Yes, you can make Lemon Herb Couscous Salad ahead. This salad tastes even better after chilling. Prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a toss before serving. The flavors meld well over time. To keep couscous from getting mushy, follow a few simple steps. Use the right water-to-couscous ratio, which is usually 1.25 cups of broth for every cup of couscous. After boiling, let it steam off heat. Fluff it with a fork once cooled. This helps keep the grains separate and light. You can mix and match herbs for your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. Basil adds a sweet touch. Dill gives a fresh, sharp flavor. Chives offer a mild onion note. Try cilantro for a bright twist. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite blend. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. We covered the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and a step-by-step guide to prepare it. You learned tips to enhance flavor and texture, variations for different diets, and how to store it. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious dish that suits your taste. Experiment with ingredients and enjoy your culinary journey. Happy cooking!

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

Elevate your meal with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous Salad! Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and aromatic herbs, this salad is a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a light main, it's easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Discover the step-by-step recipe and transform your dining experience today. Click through to explore this refreshing salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.

    Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

      Fluff the couscous with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using).

          In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

            Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.

              Adjust seasoning if needed and let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnishing each portion with additional lemon zest and a sprinkle of herbs for a fresh look. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!