Fried Courgette & Burrata Pearl Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines golden fried courgettes (zucchini), creamy burrata cheese, and nutty pearl couscous, tossed in a lemon-herb vinaigrette. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a weight-friendly Mediterranean bowl.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Assemble: 5 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Pearl Couscous
1 cup pearl couscous
1.5 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
Pinch of salt
Courgettes (Zucchini)
2 medium courgettes, sliced into thin rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Salad Add-ins
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
50 g burrata or fresh mozzarella
1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or almonds
Fresh basil leaves
Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper
Instructions
Cook Couscous
Boil water/broth, add couscous
Cook 8–10 minutes until tender, then drain and fluff
Fry Courgettes
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
Fry courgette rounds 2–3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy
Season with salt & pepper
Prepare Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper
Assemble Salad
In a bowl, combine pearl couscous, fried courgettes, and cherry tomatoes
Tear burrata and place on top
Drizzle with dressing
Garnish with toasted nuts and fresh basil
Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature
Extra drizzle of olive oil for richness
Tips
Use medium-firm burrata for creaminess without mess
For a lighter version, roast courgettes instead of frying
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a protein-rich bowl
Serve over mixed greens for a fuller salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes — replace burrata with cashew cream or plant-based mozzarella
Is this weight-loss friendly?
Yes — lots of vegetables, moderate olive oil, high fiber couscous
Can I prep ahead?
Cook couscous and fry courgettes ahead, assemble just before serving
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — replace pearl couscous with gluten-free couscous, quinoa, or millet
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g