Name: Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad: 15 Min Refresh
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487997H20M35S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl couscous; 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad has become my go-to for beating the summer heat, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I remember the first time I tasted this salad; it was at a friend’s barbecue, and the combination of cool, crisp cucumber and fluffy couscous was pure bliss. It’s a truly refreshing couscous cucumber salad that’s so easy to assemble. You’ll find out how to make chilled cucumber couscous salad in no time! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

Incredible Flavor: It’s bursting with fresh, bright tastes and a satisfying crunch you’ll adore.
Super Speedy Prep: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dish.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and light ingredients, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious meal.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, proving healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the cool, mild flavors of this easy couscous cucumber salad.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a fantastic side dish for BBQs or a light lunch on its own.
Versatile: Easily customize this easy couscous cucumber salad with your favorite herbs or veggies.

Ingredients for Your Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

Gathering the ingredients for this delightful salad is part of the fun! You’ll need:

1 cup pearl couscous – this tiny pasta adds a lovely chewy texture
1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth – for cooking the couscous
1/2 teaspoon salt – to season the couscous as it cooks
1 English cucumber, diced – the star of the show for that cool, crisp bite
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint – bright and aromatic, it’s essential for that refreshing flavor
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – adds a lovely herbaceous note
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese – brings a salty, tangy punch that makes this a true cucumber and feta couscous salad
2 tablespoons olive oil – the base for our zesty dressing
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – for that essential bright, citrusy tang
1 clove garlic, minced – adds a subtle savory depth to the dressing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – to finish and balance all the flavors

Having all these fresh components ready makes assembling this easy couscous cucumber salad a breeze.

How to Make Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect even if you’re new to making salads from scratch. Let’s get this refreshing dish assembled!

Step 1: Start by cooking the pearl couscous. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup pearl couscous with 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the little pearls are plump and soft. Drain any excess liquid and let the couscous cool slightly in a large bowl.
Step 2: While the couscous cools, prepare your fresh ingredients. Dice 1 English cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh mint and 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Crumble 1/4 cup feta cheese. These fresh herbs are key to the amazing flavor of this couscous salad with cucumber and mint.
Step 3: Add the diced cucumber, chopped mint, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the cooled couscous. Gently toss everything together. This is where the magic starts to happen as you begin to see the components of your couscous salad with cucumber and mint coming together.
Step 4: Prepare the bright and zesty dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, minced, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed – you want a good balance of tangy, savory, and fresh. For more information on making dressings, you can check out these tips.
Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing over the couscous mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all the couscous, cucumber, and herbs are coated in the flavorful dressing. This step really brings together the elements of a perfect couscous salad with cucumber and mint.
Step 6: For the best flavor experience, cover the bowl and chill the Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. Serving this refreshing couscous cucumber salad chilled is essential!

Pro Tips for the Best Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

Want to elevate your salad game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make this chilled couscous cucumber salad absolutely perfect every time.

Always cook your pearl couscous until it’s just tender, not mushy. Overcooked couscous can make the salad gummy.
For the freshest flavor, use English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
Chop your herbs finely. This ensures you get that bright mint and parsley flavor in every bite of your couscous salad with cucumber and mint.
Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and for the salad to be truly refreshing.

What’s the secret to a perfect Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad?

The secret to the best chilled cucumber couscous salad is balance and freshness. Ensuring your couscous is perfectly cooked and then letting it chill properly allows the lemon-herb dressing to really soak in, enhancing that cool, crisp cucumber flavor. Learning about proper food preparation can help ensure success.

Can I make Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This simple chilled couscous salad is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the couscous and chop the veggies and herbs a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then combine everything with the dressing a few hours before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad?

A common pitfall is overcooking the couscous, leading to a mushy texture. Also, make sure your cucumber is diced small enough to distribute evenly. Lastly, don’t dress the salad too far in advance if you’re not serving immediately, as the cucumber can release too much moisture. For more on avoiding common cooking errors, consider resources on culinary techniques.

Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad: 15 Min Refresh - Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

This versatile salad is a fantastic addition to any meal. It shines as a light lunch on its own, especially during warmer months. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing this refreshing couscous cucumber salad with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes an excellent side dish for barbecues and picnics. If you’re looking for Mediterranean-inspired pairings, our Mediterranean couscous salad cucumber is perfect alongside lamb kofta or falafel.

Nutrition Facts for Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delightful chilled couscous cucumber salad:

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your healthy couscous cucumber salad.

How to Store and Reheat Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delightful simple chilled couscous salad for days to come. Once you’ve finished your meal, make sure the salad has cooled down completely before storing. I like to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the ingredients fresh and prevents them from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. You can confidently store this cold cucumber couscous salad in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the fresh vegetables, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it for months. If you want to serve it again, it’s best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, no reheating needed!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad

What is in a typical Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad?

A classic Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad usually features fluffy pearl couscous as its base, combined with crisp diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. You’ll also find fresh herbs like mint and parsley, often brought together with a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette and sometimes feta cheese for a salty kick. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination that makes for a fantastic light meal or side dish. For more on salad ingredients, explore this guide.

Can I substitute the couscous in this salad?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a change or have dietary preferences, you can easily swap out the couscous. Many people enjoy a quinoa cucumber salad chilled, which offers a similar texture and is packed with protein. You could also use orzo pasta or even farro for a heartier salad. The key is to cook your chosen grain or pasta until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

How do I make this a Mediterranean chickpea couscous salad?

To transform this into a hearty Mediterranean chickpea couscous salad, simply add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas to the salad along with the cucumber and herbs. You might also want to add some chopped Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair. This addition makes the salad much more substantial and adds a wonderful plant-based protein boost.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, this Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad is fantastic for meal prep! I often make a big batch on Sunday to have lunches for the week. The flavors actually meld and improve as it sits, making it even tastier. Just be sure to store the dressing separately if you plan to keep it for more than a couple of days, though I find it holds up perfectly well when dressed. You can find more meal prep ideas here.

Variations of Chilled Cucumber Couscous Salad You Can Try

This amazing salad is so adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch things up and make it your own:

Vegan Delight: For a fully plant-based meal, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with your favorite vegan feta alternative. This creates a wonderful vegan cucumber couscous salad that’s just as flavorful and satisfying.
Grain Swap: Don’t have couscous? No problem! You can easily substitute it with other grains. A quinoa cucumber salad chilled is a fantastic option, offering a slightly different texture and an extra protein boost. Orzo pasta also works beautifully.
Add More Veggies: Boost the color and nutrients by adding other fresh vegetables like chopped bell peppers (red or yellow work great!), cherry tomatoes halved, or even some finely diced red onion for a bit of a bite.
Herb Power-Up: While mint and parsley are classic, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Dill or chives can add a lovely new dimension to your chilled couscous cucumber salad.