Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re hunting for a dish that absolutely bursts with freshness and color, Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is your answer. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe brings together pillowy couscous, crunchy veggies, bright herbs, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette in one glorious bowl. It’s that perfect blend of light yet satisfying, and with its cheerful flavors and eye-catching presentation, you’ll want to make this again and again for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette comes together with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Each one adds a distinct touch, whether it’s a pop of color, a burst of tang, or a creamy finish—making the salad feel elevated despite its simplicity.
- Couscous: The fluffy foundation for the salad, couscous cooks up in minutes and soaks in all the flavors beautifully.
- Boiling water: Instantly steams and cooks the couscous to the perfect texture without any fuss.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s flavor and makes the couscous anything but bland.
- Cherry tomatoes: These juicy little gems add sweetness, color, and lively bite to every forkful.
- Cucumber: Offers coolness and crunch, balancing out the richness of feta and oil.
- Red onion: A little goes a long way for sharpness and flavor depth—don’t skip this!
- Feta cheese: Brings creamy, tangy bursts that perfectly complement the fresh vegetables and herby vinaigrette.
- Fresh basil: A must for that fragrant, summery aroma, both in the salad and vinaigrette.
- Parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh green touch to tie everything together.
- Olive oil: The base of our vinaigrette, offering a rich and silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh lime juice: Brings tang and lift, making every bite taste perky and alive.
- Lime zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with wonderfully fragrant oils.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness rounds out the tartness without overpowering the other tastes.
- Garlic: Provides irresistible sharpness and depth in the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper: Adjustable to your taste, they balance all the flavors in both salad and dressing.
How to Make Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette
Step 1: Steam the Couscous
Place your couscous in a large heatproof bowl, pour in the boiling water, and add salt. Cover tightly—use a lid or an upside-down plate—and let the couscous steam for 5 minutes. When it’s finished, fluff it up with a fork to separate those tender grains and let it cool so your veggies keep their crunch.
Step 2: Whisk the Lime Basil Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, fresh lime juice, vibrant lime zest, honey, minced garlic, chopped basil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until everything blends into a silky, aromatic vinaigrette—the freshest finishing touch for Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette!
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Once the couscous has cooled, add cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, more basil, and parsley. Pour your lively vinaigrette over the top, and toss gently to mix. This is when the magic happens—every grain and veggie gets coated with flavor.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
For the ultimate Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette experience, pop the bowl into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This extra step lets all those garden-fresh flavors meld and the salad tastes even brighter and more refreshing when served cold.
How to Serve Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette
Garnishes
Sprinkle the salad with extra chopped basil, a crumble of feta, or a scattering of toasted pine nuts just before serving. A few extra lime wedges on the side add a touch of zippy charm and make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette with grilled chicken, salmon, or falafel for a more substantial meal. Pita bread or hummus on the side completes this Mediterranean-inspired feast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into hollowed-out bell peppers, mason jars, or small lettuce cups for a playful twist. For potlucks or picnics, serve alongside a platter of olives and marinated vegetables to turn it into a vibrant mezze spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for work lunches or quick snacking straight from the fridge!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, as the vegetables and herbs lose their texture after thawing. Make it fresh when you plan to enjoy it at its best, or prep the couscous ahead and store the chopped veggies and vinaigrette separately until needed.
Reheating
This salad shines when served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. Just fluff, toss, and serve! If you want to refresh it the next day, toss in a splash of olive oil or squeeze of lime to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute another grain for couscous?
Absolutely! While couscous provides a quick and tender base, you can use pearl couscous, quinoa, or bulgur for varied textures—just cook according to package directions and cool well before assembling the salad.
How do I make Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette vegan?
It’s easy: simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or leave it out entirely. Make sure to use agave or maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette for a fully vegan version of this zesty salad.
Is this salad gluten free?
Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten free. If you’d like a gluten-free option, use cooked quinoa or certified gluten-free millet in place of couscous—the flavors pair beautifully with the lime basil vinaigrette.
Can I make Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette ahead for a party?
Definitely! This salad is a host’s dream because it only improves as it sits. Just store it in the fridge, then give it a gentle toss before serving to reincorporate any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.
What proteins can I add to make this a main dish?
To transform Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette into a hearty meal, toss in chickpeas, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sliced grilled steak or shrimp. You can even fold in chunks of ripe avocado for extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette enough—it’s vibrant, versatile, and impossibly easy. Whether you whip it up for a last-minute lunch or dress it up for your next gathering, it’s bound to become a staple on your table. Give it a try soon and get ready for compliments!
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Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is a perfect dish for summer gatherings or as a light meal. The combination of fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty vinaigrette creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lime Basil Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Couscous: In a large heatproof bowl, stir couscous with boiling water and salt. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Salad: Add tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, basil, and parsley to couscous. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- You can add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or avocado for a heartier salad.
- Substitute pearl couscous for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
