Dual-Tomato & Herb Whole-Wheat Couscous Salad
A vibrant and satisfying salad featuring tender whole-wheat pearl couscous tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette, roasted and raw tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
Servings 5
Calories 320kcal
Ingredients
For the Salad Base
- 1.1 cups approx. 200g dry whole-wheat Israeli (pearl) couscous
- 5 cups cherry tomatoes divided
- 1.75 cups one 15-oz can, rinsed roasted chickpeas, tossed with smoked paprika
- 3 small Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves torn
For the Vinaigrette & Assembly
- 1.5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large garlic clove pressed or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon sumac optional, for brightness
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A scant ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano plus small sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Tomatoes (Advance Step): If you haven't already, roast 2.5 cups (half) of the cherry tomatoes. This can be done up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cook Couscous: Prepare the whole-wheat Israeli couscous according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain any excess water and set the couscous aside in a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, sumac (if using), and several grinds of black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the slightly warm couscous and toss to coat. Slice the remaining 2.5 cups of raw cherry tomatoes in half. Add the raw tomatoes, the reserved roasted tomatoes, the roasted chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, torn basil, and chopped fresh oregano to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and garnish with oregano sprigs.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Per serving- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 255 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 9.8 g
- Total Sugars: 7.4 g
- Protein: 13 g