Tomato Basil Couscous Salad Recipe

User Reviews

4.1

68 reviews
Good
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 -6

  • Calories

    349 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    Mediterranean

Tomato Basil Couscous Salad Recipe

This Tomato Basil Couscous Salad blends tender pearl couscous with fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy walnuts and almonds, and aromatic basil. The dressing of olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and dried lemon peel adds bright, savory notes, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze brings a touch of sweetness and acidity. The nuts provide a pleasing contrast to the soft couscous, making it a balanced and refreshing salad that's great for warming weather or as a lighter side dish.

Description

The Tomato Basil Couscous Salad Recipe combines cooked pearl couscous with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped walnuts and almonds, and thinly sliced basil leaves. The couscous is first prepared according to package directions and cooled. Meanwhile, a dressing made with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried lemon peel is whisked together and tossed with the tomatoes. Once the couscous is cool, it is mixed with the nut mixture and folded with basil before finishing with a balsamic glaze drizzle. The salad balances the couscous's soft texture with crunchy nuts and fresh herb notes, and its tangy-sweet dressing provides depth to the fresh ingredients.

This salad works well served cold or at room temperature and is a good side option for grilled meats or as a light lunch. Its mixture of textures and vibrant flavors makes it appealing without needing heavy sauces or proteins.

To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The use of pre-made or homemade balsamic glaze adds flexibility depending on availability or preference.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup pearl couscous uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried lemon peel
  • 2 cups cherry tomato halved
  • 1/4 cup walnuts raw, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup almond roughly chopped, raw
  • 2 tablespoons basil basil leaves sliced thin, chiffonade
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Cook the couscous according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon peel together in the bottom of a large bowl. Add the tomatoes and toss well.
  3. Once the couscous has finished cooking, rinse with cold water and set aside to cool to room temperature.
  4. When cool, add the couscous and nuts to the bowl and toss well to coat. Fold in the basil and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days for best freshness.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 349kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 43g (14%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g (29%) Monounsaturated Fat 9g (45%) Trans Fat 0.003g (0%) Sodium 304mg (13%) Potassium 337mg (7%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 419IU (8%) Vitamin C 17mg (19%) Calcium 52mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4-6

Amount Per Serving

Calories 349 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 349kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 9g 45%
Trans Fat 0.003g 0%
Sodium 304mg 13%
Potassium 337mg 7%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 419IU 8%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 52mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.1

68 reviews
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