Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous

$- 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 medium cucumber, diced into small cubes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 1 lemon The heart of this dish is couscous. It cooks fast and is light. Couscous absorbs flavors well. You can use regular or whole wheat couscous. Both options work great. Next, we have fresh vegetables. The cucumber adds crispness. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Red onion adds a mild bite and color. Kalamata olives give a briny taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. For herbs and cheese, feta cheese is a must. It adds creaminess and saltiness. Fresh parsley and mint add brightness and aroma. Together, they make the dish fresh and vibrant. - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Zest and juice of 1 lemon Extra virgin olive oil is key for flavor. It coats the couscous and veggies. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. A good squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty kick. These pantry staples combine with your fresh ingredients. They create a dish that is bright, tasty, and healthy. Each bite will remind you of sunny days by the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the process of bringing these flavors together! To start, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once the broth bubbles, stir in 1 cup of couscous. Remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the liquid. After 5 minutes, take a fork and fluff the couscous. This separates the grains and makes it light. Let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Gently mix them together to blend the flavors. Next, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This dressing adds a zesty kick to the couscous. Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggie mixture. Gently toss everything to mix. Ensure the ingredients are well combined. Now, pour the dressing over the couscous. Toss gently again so every bite gets that zesty flavor. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint. Distribute them evenly throughout the dish. Taste your couscous salad. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Enjoy this bright, fresh dish! - Overcooking couscous: Couscous cooks quickly. If you leave it too long, it can become mushy. Stick to the five-minute resting time after boiling. This helps keep the grains fluffy and separate. - Not cooling couscous before mixing: Make sure to cool the couscous before adding it to your veggies. Hot couscous can wilt fresh ingredients. Let it sit for a few minutes after fluffing. - Adding more herbs or spices: To boost the flavor, add extra herbs. Fresh basil or dill can enhance the taste. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. - Adjusting lemon juice for zest: The lemon juice adds brightness. If you want more zing, try adding a bit more juice. You can also use lemon zest to bring out a stronger lemon flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out ingredients in this dish. For cheese, consider using goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor. This swap makes the dish unique and adds a new taste. For vegetables, feel free to use bell peppers instead of cucumbers. Bell peppers add crunch and sweet flavor. You can mix colors too. Red, yellow, and green peppers brighten the dish and make it more fun. To boost this dish's nutrition, add protein. Chickpeas work well and give a hearty texture. You can also use grilled chicken for a filling meal. Both options increase protein and keep you satisfied. Incorporating nuts or seeds adds crunch and healthy fats. Try adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. They give a nice texture and flavor. Plus, they make the dish more interesting. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Each swap or addition can change the dish's taste and health benefits. To keep your Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous fresh, store it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain its flavor. Place the container in the fridge if you plan to save leftovers. It’s best to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it up. This prevents condensation buildup inside the container. This tasty couscous dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, it may start to lose quality. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when deciding if food is still good. Enjoy this dish while it’s fresh for the best taste! To make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous gluten-free, you can swap couscous for quinoa or rice. Both options work well. Quinoa adds protein, while rice gives a nice texture. Be sure to check labels, as some brands may contain gluten. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Make the couscous and mix the veggies. Store them in separate containers. This keeps everything fresh. Mix them together just before serving. This way, the flavors stay bright. Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous pairs well with many dishes. Grilled chicken or fish complements the flavors nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. These options add great texture and taste. This recipe is great for meal prepping. Store portions in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil for flavor. In this post, we explored how to make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous. We covered the key ingredients, from couscous and fresh veggies to herbs and cheese. I outlined easy steps to prepare, mix, and bring it all together for great flavor. With some tips on avoiding common mistakes and fun variations, you can make this dish your own. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delicious and healthy meal!$

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous

Elevate your meal with this refreshing Lemon Herb Mediterranean Couscous recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. In just 25 minutes, you can create a delightful salad that bursts with flavor. Don't miss out on making this easy, healthy recipe that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water

1 medium cucumber, diced into small cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous, remove from heat, and cover the pot with a lid. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb all the liquid.

After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous, separating the grains, and leave it to cool for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Mix them together gently.

Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture and carefully toss everything together to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper to create a zesty dressing.

Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to ensure that all ingredients are well coated with the flavorful dressing.

Next, carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint, taking care to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.

Taste the couscous salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, transfer the couscous to a large serving bowl or portion it into individual plates. Garnish each serving with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!