Israeli couscous veggie salad

The Israeli couscous here gives it a really good texture and helps the salad hold up to the lemony-mustard dressing. It’s also my husband’s favorite kind of couscous. Mine, too. I love how big and juice each little couscous ball is. Such a fun food.

This couscous salad is great for a dinner side dish but also travels well for picnics or potlucks or pool nights. I bring some of this and a veggie burger or rotisserie chicken to the pool and we can stay and splash a little longer. It’s also good for entertaining since you can prep everything ahead. See the notes in the recipe below for my tips on preparing this in advance.

I love the brightness of the fresh summer veggies here – cucumber, tomato and basil. Such a good combo. The dressing here is easy peasy, too. Just mix everything in a jar and shake it up. Done! Summer should be simple, right?

Hope this becomes one of your family favorites, too. Enjoy!

Israeli couscous veggie salad

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Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 20 minutes

Serves 4 servings     adjust servings

This easy couscous salad is light, bright and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups cooked Israeli couscous
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or more!)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions to yield about 2 cups. Set aside and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, chop veggies and basil and place in a medium bowl.
3. Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard and olive oil in a small jar and shake well to combine. Season with a healthy pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add couscous to bowl with veggies and stir to mix. Pour dressing over salad and stir to combine.
5. Serve it up!

Recipe Notes

If making ahead, prepare as above, but wait to chop and add the basil and mix in the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and bright.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 380kcal Calories from fat 67
% Daily Value
Total Fat 7g	11%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Transfat 0g
Sodium 861mg	36%
Carbohydrate 67g	22%
Dietary Fiber 5g	20%
Sugars 3g
Protein 11g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g