Mediterranean Pearl Couscous (Printer-Friendly)

Toasted pearl couscous with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta in oregano vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grain

01 - 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

→ Additions

07 - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
08 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in pearl couscous and bring to a rolling boil.
02 - Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed and couscous reaches tender consistency.
03 - Remove from heat and spread couscous evenly on a baking sheet. Allow to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.
04 - While couscous cools, combine diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
06 - Add cooled couscous to the vegetable mixture. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating and distribution.
07 - Fold in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
  • The textures are incredible: chewy couscous, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and briny olives all in one bite.
  • You can serve it warm right away or let it chill, and it gets even better as the flavors soak in.
  • It's flexible enough to go vegan, gluten-free, or packed with extra veggies depending on what you have.
02 -
  • Don't skip spreading the couscous on a baking sheet to cool or it will steam itself into a gummy blob.
  • Add the parsley at the very end so it stays bright green and doesn't wilt into the warm couscous.
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the feta and parsley until just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
03 -
  • Toast the pearl couscous in a dry pan for a few minutes before boiling to add a nutty depth that makes it taste even better.
  • Use the best olive oil you have for the dressing since it really shines through and makes everything taste more luxurious.
  • If you're serving this cold, let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before eating so the flavors open up and the feta softens just a bit.
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