Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad is the perfect side dish or light main for any occasion. Featuring fluffy couscous as its base, this salad is elevated with the sweetness of juicy cherry tomatoes, the aromatic freshness of chopped basil, and the creamy tang of crumbled feta cheese. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while a zesty lemon dressing brings all the elements together in harmony. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for meal prepping, picnics, or summer gatherings. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a versatile dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Couscous
• 1 cup Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 small Shallot
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.

Step 2

Stir in 1 cup of couscous and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Fluff the couscous with a fork and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 4

While the couscous cools, halve 1.5 cups of cherry tomatoes, finely chop 0.5 cup of fresh basil leaves, and mince 1 small shallot.

Step 5

Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper for the dressing.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, basil, minced shallot, 0.5 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	825.1 grams (825.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	823

Total Fat 56.60g	73%
Saturated Fat 15.30g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.00g
Cholesterol 67mg	22%
Sodium 2364mg	103%
Total Carbohydrate 60.40g	22%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 10.60g
Protein 22.20g	44%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 460mg	35%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 937mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.7%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 28.8%