Cucumber Lemon Feta Couscous Salad – Fresh & Easy

This Cucumber Lemon Feta Couscous Salad is a fresh, simple vegetarian salad made with fluffy couscous, crisp cucumber, creamy feta cheese, and bright lemon juice. Olive oil brings the ingredients together, while fresh parsley or mint adds a flavorful finishing touch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this cucumber couscous salad is a practical choice for a quick lunch, a warm-weather meal, or an easy side dish. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing combination of textures and flavors.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Method: Stovetop

Why You’ll Love This Couscous Salad

• Quick to make: The couscous takes only about 5 minutes to prepare.
• Fresh and bright: Cucumber and lemon juice give the salad a refreshing flavor.
• Creamy and savory: Crumbled feta adds richness and a salty contrast.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses a short list of easy-to-find ingredients.
• Flexible serving temperature: Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for garnish

Optional Variations

The original recipe notes that you can substitute goat cheese for feta or use whole wheat couscous for a different flavor. Avocado slices can also be added for extra creaminess.

How to Make Cucumber Lemon Feta Couscous Salad

1. Cook the couscous

Bring 1 1/4 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan.

Stir in 1 cup of couscous, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

2. Fluff and cool

Remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork. Allow it to cool.

3. Combine the salad ingredients

Add the diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil to a large bowl.

4. Add the couscous

Add the cooled couscous to the bowl and mix everything together thoroughly.

5. Season

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Garnish and serve

Garnish the salad with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Important Tips

• Let the couscous cool: The recipe calls for cooled couscous before combining it with the other ingredients.
• Fluff with a fork: This helps separate the couscous after it has rested.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice is a key part of the salad’s bright flavor.
• Season to taste: Salt and pepper are added according to preference.
• Add herbs just before serving: Fresh parsley or mint provides the finishing touch.

Simple Variations

Use Goat Cheese

The recipe notes that goat cheese can be substituted for the feta for a different flavor.

Try Whole Wheat Couscous

Whole wheat couscous is another suggested variation.

Add Avocado

For a creamier salad, avocado slices can be added according to the original recipe notes.

Serving Ideas

This cucumber lemon couscous salad works well as a quick lunch or a refreshing warm-weather dish. It can also be served as a simple side alongside a larger meal.

For the freshest presentation, garnish with chopped parsley or mint just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I serve this couscous salad warm?

The recipe recommends serving it chilled or at room temperature.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?

Yes. The couscous can be prepared with either 1 1/4 cups of water or vegetable broth.

What herbs work well in this salad?

The recipe specifically suggests chopped fresh parsley or mint for garnish.

Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Yes. The recipe notes that goat cheese can be used instead of feta.

Can I add other ingredients?

The original notes suggest adding avocado slices for extra creaminess.

Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Trans Fat: 0g

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Lemon Feta Couscous Salad is a quick and refreshing combination of fluffy couscous, crisp cucumber, tangy lemon, and crumbled feta. With only 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy vegetarian option for lunch or warm-weather meals. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and finish with fresh parsley or mint for a simple, bright salad.

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