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Couscous Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette

Updated: · Published: by

The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers, and salty feta.

Couscous Salad

Life is too short to eat boring salads. Is a garden salad with grilled chicken healthy? Of course. Does it get old after a few days? You betcha’!

If you’re stuck in a salad rut, I urge you to think outside of the bowl and get creative. Lettuce-based salads are a regular in our house but as the growing season winds down here in Michigan, I like to fill my salad bowl with heartier ingredients such as roasted beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

Regardless of the month, I urge you to let the season guide your bowl to maximize flavor and health benefits. Here are a few of my favorite salads and homemade dressing recipes:

Today’s recipe contains za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that contains thyme, oregano, sumac and toasted sesame seeds. Various versions are sold in Middle Eastern markets or online.

Your fork is waiting.

Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette

The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers and salty feta.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 c whole wheat pearl couscous repared according to package directions such as Bob’s Red Mill
  • 2 c English cucumber diced
  • 1/3 c feta crumbled
  • 1/4 c fresh mint minced
  • 3 tbs pine nuts toasted in dry pan
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tbs za’atar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine cooked couscous with cucumber, feta, mint and pine nuts.
  • Toss salad with lemon juice, olive oil, za’atar, salt and pepper.
  • Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

Chef’s Notes

Salad can be served warm, room temp or cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 33.4gProtein: 8.1gFat: 9.7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.7gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 430mgFiber: 4.9gSugar: 1.8g
Keyword couscous salad
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About Liz Della Croce

Liz Della Croce on a Chair

Founder of The Lemon Bowl

Liz is the founder and creator of The Lemon Bowl. With an emphasis on healthy eating and living, Liz’s recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including the cover of Women’s World magazine, Good Housekeeping, Shape, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Food Network Blog, Huffington Post, TODAY Food, Foodgawker, and The Cooking Channel.

Read More About me

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim

    Oh my goodness. At first I thought it was lentils in the salad. I love Za’atar and am so glad I came across these recipes and your blog!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      My pleasure!! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  2. The Mistress of Spices

    Just made this for the week’s lunches, adding in a chopped red bell pepper. Delicious! So glad that I found your lovely blog :-)

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad to hear – thank you for finding me and saying hi!! Enjoy the salad!

      Reply

  3. Christy @SweetandSavoring

    Just the picture alone is making me hungrier- I’m so excited to make this for my husband! He’s usually not that impressed by salads but I have a feeling this one is different.

    Reply

    • The Lemon Bowl

      Let me know what he thinks!!! I hope you enjoy as much as we did.

      Reply

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