Description
This Citrus Couscous Salad is a bright, refreshing dish bursting with citrus flavor, tender couscous, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side or light main, it combines oranges, lemon dressing, and crisp vegetables for a healthy, flavorful meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup couscous (traditional or pearl)
- 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pour boiling water or broth over the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the couscous, orange segments, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute couscous with cooked quinoa.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Tastes even better when made ahead and chilled for a few hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Citrus Couscous Salad, couscous salad recipe, healthy salad, citrus dressing, Mediterranean salad