Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Hot Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Fluffy Couscous is tossed with crisp vegetables, herbs, and creamy Feta Cheese, then finished with a bold hot honey lemon vinaigrette that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Perfect for light lunches, BBQ sides, or meal prep salads.
Time Required
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Salad
1 cup couscous
1 cup hot water or broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
¼ red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chickpeas (optional for extra protein)
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped mint
Hot Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Honey
½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare Couscous
Place couscous in a bowl and pour hot water or broth over it.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Chop tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
olive oil
lemon juice
honey
chili flakes
Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Adjust spice level to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
couscous
vegetables
feta
chickpeas (if using)
Pour dressing over and toss gently.
5. Serve
Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace honey with maple syrup and skip feta or use vegan feta.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Can I use another grain?
Yes—try quinoa, bulgur, or orzo.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~10 g
Carbohydrates: ~38 g
Fiber: ~4g
Fat: ~14 g
Sodium: ~300 mg