Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Vegetable Couscous Salad with Parmesan is a refreshing side dish or light meal thatโs perfect for any occasion. Made with fluffy couscous infused with savory vegetable broth, this recipe is packed with vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory twist to every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is not only delicious but also a great make-ahead option for busy days. Serve it chilled for a crisp, summery salad thatโs sure to delight!
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Remove the pan from heat, stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
Fluff the couscous with a fork, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and set aside to cool.
While the couscous cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a simple dressing.
Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss to combine until evenly coated.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss once more to distribute it throughout the salad.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a refreshing cold salad.
Calories |
819 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.9 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2889 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.1 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.9 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1699 mg | 36% | |
*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.