Vegan Couscous Salad

Make the perfect vegan couscous salad for your next gathering in minutes with this simple, quick, and delicious recipe! This vegan salad is sure to please and is packed with flavor.

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 19

Cook Time 5

Total Time 24

Servings servings

Calories 278kcal

Author Marly McMillen

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup dry couscous
1 medium lemon
¼ cup olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic
⅓ cup finely diced red onion
1 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
1 ⅓ cup chopped cucumber (substitute zucchini)
⅓ cup dairy-free feta cheese
⅓ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional) finely chopped (see notes)
salt and pepper to taste

Cups - Metric

Instructions

Heat water until just boiling (in a saucepan over medium heat or in a heat-proof bowl in the microwave). Stir in couscous. Set aside for up 5 minutes, to allow the couscous to soften.
Prepare the lemon by zesting it, cutting it in half and extracting the juice. You should get around 3 teaspoons of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice.
After the couscous has rested, stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Use a fork to fluff the couscous, transfer to a salad bowl, add the minced garlic and chopped red onion, and set aside to cool for around 10 minutes.
For the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine remaining olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
For the Salad: Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl with the couscous, including tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, vegan feta, chopped parsley, and mint (if using). Pour dressing and toss to combine.
Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve fresh.
This salad can keep up to 4 or 5 days in the fridge. The texture of the chopped vegetables can soften over time, so it's best served within a couple of days.

Notes

I have tried this salad with and without fresh mint. I personally prefer it without the mint. I have it listed as optional because it is a traditional flavor for this salad. If you're uncertain whether you'll like it or not, you can serve it alongside the salad and sprinkle bits of it over an individual serving.

Nutrition