Description
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Cucumber Feta Salad with pearl couscous and a zesty lemon dressing is a refreshing and hearty side or light meal. Loaded with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, chickpeas, and tangy feta, it’s the perfect salad to brighten up any table.
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
1½ cups English or salad cucumbers, cut into half-moons
1 large ripe avocado, diced
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
⅓ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Lemon Dressing
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
¼ cup olive oil
1½ teaspoons honey
Juice of 1 lemon (plus ¼ teaspoon lemon zest)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Zest and juice the lemon to obtain about ¼ teaspoon zest and 1½ tablespoons of juice.
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In a jar, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Shake thoroughly and refrigerate until needed.
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Cook the pearl couscous according to package directions. (Tip: Bring 1½ cups water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon olive oil to a boil, add couscous, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.)
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Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and chill it in the refrigerator until cooled.
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To the cooled couscous, add the cucumbers, diced avocado, chickpeas, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
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Shake the dressing once more before drizzling it over the salad. Gently toss to combine.
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Serve immediately. Only dress the portions you plan to eat to maintain freshness.
Notes
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Only toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and the avocado vibrant.
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For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad when ready to eat.
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Feel free to add extra herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.
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Toasting the couscous lightly before boiling it can add a delicious nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (apart from couscous boiling)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean