Heart-Healthy Israeli Couscous Salad
Bright, vibrant, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, this Heart-Healthy Israeli Couscous Salad is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious meal. Tender pearls of Israeli couscous are paired with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red bell pepper, and the zesty bite of red onion, all brought together with aromatic fresh parsley and mint. A simple lemon-olive oil dressing ties the dish together, offering a light and tangy finish. Optional crumbled feta adds a creamy, savory touch, but this salad shines just as brightly without it. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing potluck contribution. Healthy, easy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this Israeli Couscous Salad is a must-try for fans of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 1.5 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 1 medium Red bell pepper
- 0.25 medium Red onion
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the Israeli couscous and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
While the couscous is cooking, rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and dice the cucumber. Seed and dice the red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and slightly cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves, and add them to the bowl with the vegetables and couscous.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and ground black pepper. Adjust salt to taste if necessary.
Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.
If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and mix lightly.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a healthy lunch or as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.3 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 2612 mg | 114% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 182.1 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g | ||
| Protein | 46.8 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 810 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1792 mg | 38% | |
*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.
