Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this Fresh Mozzarella Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad is the perfect recipe for a quick and satisfying meal. Fluffy couscous serves as the base, soaking up the tangy-sweet notes of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, while juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil bring vibrant color and texture to every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this no-fuss salad is as ideal for a light lunch as it is for a crowd-pleasing side dish at summer gatherings. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.
Bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 0.5 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the boiling water.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
While the couscous cools, cut 1.5 cups of cherry tomatoes in half and slice 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
Chop 0.5 cup of fresh basil leaves into thin strips (julienne) or tear them into small pieces for a more rustic look.
Once the couscous is cool, add the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil to the bowl.
Drizzle the salad with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper and additional salt to taste, if desired.
Toss everything gently until the ingredients are evenly combined and coated in the dressing.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra basil leaves before serving, if desired.
Calories |
1120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.6 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 147 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3082 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 60.3 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1625 mg | 125% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 431 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.