Couscous Salad with Cucumber, Feta & Preserved Lemon
This refreshing Mediterranean couscous salad is a vibrant mix of fluffy couscous, crisp cucumbers, briny feta, and the tangy-salty punch of preserved lemon. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect as a side dish or light main for warm weather days.
⏱ Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus 5 min resting)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup couscous (instant/quick-cook)
1 cup boiling water or low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
1 large cucumber, finely diced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon peel (rinsed, seeds removed)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
½ tsp ground cumin (optional, for a warm undertone)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
1. In a heatproof bowl, mix couscous with olive oil and salt.
2. Pour over boiling water or broth, stir quickly, then cover with a lid or plate.
3. Let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), and cumin. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, cucumber, feta, preserved lemon, parsley, mint, and green onion.
2. Pour over dressing and toss gently to combine.
3. Taste and season with black pepper or more lemon juice, as desired.
Notes
Preserved Lemons: Use only the peel, finely chopped. A little goes a long way!
Feta: Choose good-quality feta in brine for best texture and flavor.
Herbs: Mix and match with dill or cilantro if you like.
Tips
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
To make it more filling, add chickpeas or grilled chicken.
For a gluten-free version, substitute quinoa or millet.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle kick.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling. Just leave out the feta and add it before serving.
Q: What are preserved lemons and where can I get them?
A: Preserved lemons are salt-cured whole lemons. You can find them in jars in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grocery stores, or make them at home.
Q: Can I use Israeli (pearl) couscous instead?
A: Yes, but cook it like pasta (boiled), and cool before using.
Q: What goes well with this salad?
A: Grilled fish, lamb kofta, or roasted eggplant. It also pairs well with hummus and flatbread.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 420mg