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For a great Mediterranean couscous salad, you need these main ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cucumber, diced into small cubes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped These ingredients add color, crunch, and flavor to the salad. The couscous serves as the base, soaking up all the tasty juices. To make the dressing, gather these simple ingredients: - 1/4 cup tahini - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and ground black pepper to taste The tahini gives the dressing a creamy, nutty taste. Lemon juice adds brightness, while olive oil adds richness. If you want to take it up a notch, consider these optional garnishes: - Crumbled feta cheese Adding feta cheese brings a salty and creamy flavor. It pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad. With these ingredients, your Mediterranean couscous salad will be fresh, vibrant, and full of life. To start, bring 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it bubbles, remove it from heat. Add 1 cup of couscous to the broth. Stir it gently, then cover the pan tightly. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the couscous soak up the broth and become fluffy. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Break up any lumps you see. Set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper. Toss in 1/2 cup of rinsed chickpeas and 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. Then, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint. Use a spatula to mix these ingredients gently so they stay whole. Now, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your dressing feels thick, add a splash of water. This helps to reach your preferred consistency. Add the cooled couscous to the bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together carefully. Then, drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad. Mix well until the salad is fully coated. Taste it! If it needs more flavor, adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your fresh and colorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Tahini! You can serve Mediterranean couscous salad as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You might also enjoy it with pita bread or hummus. For a fun twist, try it in a wrap using lettuce or flatbread. This salad tastes great at room temperature or cold. To adjust the flavor, start by tasting the salad. You may want more salt, lemon juice, or pepper. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. For a sweeter note, a splash of honey works wonders. Experiment with herbs too. Basil or dill can add a fresh touch. For a stunning presentation, use a bright bowl. Layer the ingredients for a colorful look. Drizzle extra tahini dressing on top for a creamy finish. Fresh herbs can add a lovely green pop. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes around the bowl’s edge for color. These small details make your dish stand out! {{image_4}} Adding protein to your Mediterranean couscous salad can make it heartier. You can include: - Grilled chicken, sliced thin - Shrimp, cooked and chilled - Tofu, cubed and sautéed - Hard-boiled eggs, quartered These options boost flavor and keep you full longer. Each protein pairs well with the salad's fresh ingredients. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste or what's on hand. Try using: - Quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten-free option - Spinach or arugula in place of parsley for a peppery kick - Feta cheese for goat cheese for a creamier texture - Sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for an intense flavor These swaps can change the taste and texture of your dish, making it unique every time. While tahini dressing shines, you can explore other options. Consider trying: - Lemon vinaigrette for a bright and zesty flavor - Yogurt dressing for creaminess and tang - Balsamic reduction for a sweet and tart twist - Hummus thinned with water as a fun alternative These dressings can add new layers to your salad and keep it exciting. Store your Mediterranean couscous salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you have leftover salad, place it in the fridge within two hours of serving. It can stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to stir it before serving again to mix the flavors. Freezing this salad is not the best choice. The veggies can lose their crunch and flavor when thawed. If you must freeze it, separate the dressing from the salad. You can freeze the salad mix for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to eat the salad warm, heat only the couscous part. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Heat it for about 30 seconds. Stir and check if it’s warm enough. Add the fresh veggies and dressing after reheating. This keeps them crisp and bright. Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. Just prepare the salad and dressing separately. Store them in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend well. If you don't have tahini, use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Both can give a creamy texture. You may need to adjust the taste with added lemon juice or garlic. The salad lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. If you add feta cheese, eat it within 2 days for best flavor. The salad is not gluten-free due to couscous. Couscous is made from wheat. For a gluten-free option, use quinoa or rice instead. They both pair well with the other ingredients. Mediterranean couscous salad blends fresh flavors and easy steps. You learned about main ingredients, dressings, and garnish options. I shared clear steps for preparation and tips for serving. Explore tasty variations to suit your taste and learn proper storage methods. This salad is perfect for any meal. Now you can create it with confidence and creativity. Enjoy making this dish!

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Tahini

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Tahini Delight in this quick and easy recipe! Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy tahini dressing, and a hint of spices, this salad is perfect for any meal. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a colorful dish that's both nutritious and delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty creation!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cucumber, diced into small cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

1/4 cup tahini

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, promptly remove from heat and stir in the couscous gently. Cover the saucepan tightly and let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the broth and become fluffy.

    After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any lumps. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

      In a large mixing bowl, carefully combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, chickpeas, sliced olives, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix gently with a spatula to maintain the shape of the ingredients.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water gradually until you achieve your preferred consistency.

          Add the cooled couscous to the bowl with the vegetables and carefully toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated.

            Taste the salad and adjust the flavor by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.

              If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad just before serving for an added burst of flavor and creaminess.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, vibrant bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. Drizzle some extra tahini dressing on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation. Consider using a few extra cherry tomato halves for garnish on the rim of the bowl for an additional pop of color.