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.

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:

• Roasted Beet Salad with Wheat Berries and Toasted Walnuts
• Middle Eastern Salad with Lemon, Mint and Garlic
• Garlicky Caesar Salad with Shaved Parm
• Green Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
• Dill Ranch Dressing

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 with Za’atar Vinaigrette

Liz Della Croce

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

 

US MeasurementsConvert to Metric

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• 1 c whole wheat pearl couscous repared according to package directions such as Bob’s Red Mill
• 2 c English cucumber diced
• ⅓ c feta crumbled
• ¼ c fresh mint minced
• 3 tbs pine nuts toasted in dry pan
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs za’atar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon 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

Related Recipes:

• Wedge Salad with Bacon & Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
• Carrot Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
• Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
• Orzo Salad with Yogurt-Dill Vinaigrette
• Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Ginger Soy Vinaigrette
• Fresh Mushroom Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

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