I’ve mentioned before that warm days make me want salad for lunch as I don’t want anything too heavy. That said, I equally don’t want to feel hungry after I’ve eaten. This fruit, herb and feta Israeli couscous salad is great for warm days as it has lots of juicy fresh fruit in there along with cooling herbs to be light and refreshing, but filling enough to keep you going.
What is Israeli couscous?
Israeli couscous, also called pearled or giant couscous, is basically a larger version of regular couscous. It’s a small, round pasta, and it’s pretty versatile. I used it before in my Israeli couscous with grilled vegetables as either a main or along with simple grilled shrimp or meat, but it’s also great in various salads. Plus, you can toast it before cooking which adds a nice flavor to it.
How it’s made
This salad could hardly be easier as all you need to cook is the couscous and you can get everything else ready while it’s cooking. If you think the fruit, herbs and feta is a weird combination, believe me, it really works. The sweet and salty mix, along with the herbs in particular, work perfectly to balance each other out.
Make ahead options
If you prefer, you can cook the couscous ahead then just make everything up when you need it. You can also make the whole salad ahead to take with you for lunch or a potluck as it’s pretty robust, although remember it is still full of fresh fruit and herbs so don’t expect it to last a few days. It’s one I have on my list for summer lunchboxes, along with my calamari salad, French lentil salad with feta and fennel, caprese quinoa salad and a few more.
This fruit, herb and feta Israeli couscous salad is light, refreshing and colorful. Plus, it’s packed with healthy goodness and quick to make. I know some people have a thing about fruit in salads, but to me, you can hardly get a better combination for a summer lunch/side.
Fresh fruit, herbs and a citrusy dressing make this Israeli couscous salad bright and fresh.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 1 1/4 cup water 300ml
- 1 cup watermelon 170g, diced
- 1 nectarine or peach
- 3 oz feta 80g
- 1/2 cup blueberries 80g
- 1/4 cup mint 4tbsp, chopped (fresh)
- 1/4 cup parsley 4tbsp, chopped (fresh)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
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Warm 2tbsp olive oil in a pan then toast the couscous until lightly brown - about 3-5min. Add the water, cover and bring to a bil then reduce the heat so it simmers. Cook until the water is absorbed -about 10min. Allow the couscous to cool - you can help it along by rinsing in cold water.
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While the couscous is cooking and cooling, dice the watermelon and nectarine/peach into bite-sized pieces. Chop or break up the feta into small chunks and chop the mint and parsley - a rough chop is fine.
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Dress the cooled couscous with the lemon juice, oil and a few grinds of salt and pepper. Toss so it is well-coated. Add the rest of the ingredients, toss, and serve.
Try these other salads perfect for summer:
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- grilled nectarine salad
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- caprese quinoa salad with beets and avocado
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- Mexican street corn salad
Remember to pin for later!
Ahila says
Love the mix of fruits, herb and cheese in a couscous salad. Thanks for sharing it at #SaucySaturdays
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, Ahila, it’s definitely a tasty mix!
Frugal Hausfrau says
So fresh and pretty – I am just going to have to search out some of that couscous!! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Mollie, I found with the couscous that it’s actually more available than you might think once you look for it.
Beth says
I absolutely love fruits in salads! It adds a whole different dimension! I have only had the Israeli couscous. It’s so good!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree fruit can be great and the fruits here, especially with the herbs, add a lovely freshness.
Brian Jones says
I love the sound of this, such a great summer salad, my stash of Isreali couscous is empty so I have a 150km round trip to top it up… But it is worthwhile!
I love the addition of the nectarine it will add a lovely sweetness and sharpness to the recipe!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it is indeed perfect for summer!
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says
This is such a pretty salad! The fruit and couscous look like the perfect combination. I look forward to making this. YUM!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it’s a really tasty combination, and I love the colors as well.