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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently separate the couscous with a fork, permitting slight cooling to optimize texture and prevent clumping.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and optional toasted nuts across the vegetable terrain for textural complexity.
- Drizzle the prepared lime-basil vinaigrette over the composed salad, tenderly tossing to ensure harmonious flavor distribution.
- Calibrate final seasoning with strategic pinches of salt and pepper, allowing each ingredient to shine.
- 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