Zesty Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

My go-to summer couscous salad bursts with unexpected lime basil vinaigrette magic.

Fresh herbs dance across light grains, creating vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Cool textures merge seamlessly with zesty undertones that awaken taste buds.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle deliciously, promising refreshing comfort during warm afternoons.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this dish connects global culinary traditions effortlessly.

Crisp vegetables complement soft grains, making each bite an adventure.

Prepare to experience a delightful meal that celebrates simple, elegant ingredients.

Light and Fresh Reasons to Make This Couscous Salad

• Customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, swap ingredients, or add protein like grilled chicken to create a personalized meal that suits any taste.
• Packed with crisp vegetables, zesty lime, and fresh basil, this salad offers a cool and light option for hot days, picnics, or outdoor gatherings.
• Combines whole grains, fresh vegetables, and optional protein for a well-rounded dish that provides essential nutrients and satisfying flavors.

What’s in This Lime Basil Couscous Combo

• Couscous: Light and fluffy base for the salad, quick to prepare and perfect for summer meals.

• Tomatoes, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Crisp and colorful ingredients that add freshness and crunch to the salad.

• Lime, Basil: Bright and aromatic ingredients that provide a zesty, herbaceous touch.
• Olive Oil, Honey, Mustard, Garlic: Essential for creating a well-balanced vinaigrette with depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Key seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy addition that brings richness to the salad.
• Nuts: Provides extra crunch and nutty flavor, optional but recommended.

How to Toss Together This Refreshing Salad

Step 1: Cook Couscous Perfectly

Grab a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over couscous. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the grains gently with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Lime Basil Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until all ingredients merge into a smooth, fragrant dressing.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Extra fresh basil leaves

Step 4: Build Your Salad

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Toasted nuts

Step 5: Dress And Toss

Drizzle the lime basil vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure every grain and veggie gets coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for a refreshing cold salad. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches!

Tips for Perfect Couscous Texture

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Let couscous cool slightly before adding vinaigrette to help it absorb maximum flavor without becoming soggy.
• Control Texture Perfection: Fluff couscous with a fork immediately after steeping to prevent clumping and create light, airy grains.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop basil just before adding to maintain vibrant color and release maximum essential oils for more aromatic taste.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make vinaigrette and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately to maintain crispness and assemble quickly when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers of This Bright Side

• Store leftover couscous salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to keep vegetables crisp and prevent the couscous from becoming mushy.
• Gently bring salad to room temperature before serving. If desired, drizzle fresh vinaigrette to revive flavors and restore moisture.
• Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, as vegetables and couscous will gradually lose their crispness over time.

Meals That Match Well with Couscous

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lime and herbal notes in the salad, cutting through the feta's richness while enhancing the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Create a vibrant spread of hummus, olives, dolmas, and grilled pita bread that echoes the salad's Mediterranean ingredients and provides delightful textural contrast.
• Complement the couscous salad with light, herb-seasoned grilled shrimp or white fish, which will harmonize with the vinaigrette's bright citrus and basil profile.
• Prepare a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon or lime slices to mirror the salad's zesty vinaigrette and cleanse the palate between bites.

Ways to Tweak the Flavor Profile

• Gluten-Free Quinoa Swap: Replace couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative, maintaining the same cooking method and texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute basil with fresh oregano and mint for a different herbal profile, keeping the lime vinaigrette intact.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to transform the salad into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Vegan-Friendly Adaptation: Omit feta cheese and use toasted sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast for a plant-based protein and flavor boost.

All the Answers About This Salad

• Is couscous healthy?

Yes, couscous is a nutritious whole grain packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. It’s low in fat and can be a great base for a balanced meal.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and vinaigrette separately, then combine just before serving. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

• Are there gluten-free alternatives to couscous?

Try quinoa or cauliflower rice as excellent gluten-free substitutes. They have similar texture and will work perfectly in this recipe.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu are fantastic protein additions. Just add them when assembling the salad for extra nutrition and flavor.

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lime basil vinaigrette elevates this Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad into a refreshing culinary adventure. Crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs mingle with fluffy couscous, promising a light yet satisfying meal that transports taste buds to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) boiling water
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 grams) cucumber, diced
• ½ cup (75 grams) red bell pepper, chopped

Supplementary Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup (30 grams) toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh basil

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the couscous foundation by cascading boiling water over the grains in a heat-resistant vessel, then seal and allow to transform for five minutes until tender.
2. Gently separate the couscous with a fork, permitting slight cooling to optimize texture and prevent clumping.
3. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously blending lime juice, olive oil, zesty citrus essence, tangy mustard, golden honey, minced garlic, delicate basil leaves, seasoned with salt and pepper in a compact mixing container.
4. Construct the salad landscape by introducing diced tomatoes, crisp cucumber segments, vivid bell pepper pieces, sharp red onion slivers, and additional fresh basil into the couscous base.
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and optional toasted nuts across the vegetable terrain for textural complexity.
6. Drizzle the prepared lime-basil vinaigrette over the composed salad, tenderly tossing to ensure harmonious flavor distribution.
7. Calibrate final seasoning with strategic pinches of salt and pepper, allowing each ingredient to shine.
8. Serve immediately for peak freshness, or refrigerate briefly to meld flavors and provide a refreshing chilled experience.

Notes

• Toast couscous lightly in a dry pan before adding water to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Allow couscous to cool completely before mixing with vegetables to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Swap feta for plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to make the dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Cut vegetables uniformly for consistent flavor distribution and more appealing presentation in each bite.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg