A quick and easy, healthy couscous salad featuring lots of bright, fresh vegetables. A great recipe to feed a crowd!
This post brought to you by: I AM REALLY REALLY LAZY.
So, this couscous salad? It was one of the FIRST POSTS EVAH on FFF. And, you know what? (yes, lots of questions today) I still eat it ALL THE TIME.
I even brought it to my Bible Study a few weeks back because it’s just real good yo’.
So, since a lot of ya’ll weren’t around back in the beginning of FFF land, I decided to update the photos and bring it back fo’ yo’ taste budz.
Why a couscous salad like this is bringing out the gangsta in me, I have no idea.
OH and, for fun, I kept the original photos at the very bottom of the post. I also kept the original narrative.
But, that wasn’t for fun. That’s because I’m lazy. 🙂
READ ON and see the beginnings of FFF in what I am calling “Flashback Friday!” Enjoy your weekends lovelies!
The first time I made this I was in Wisconsin at Christmas time, meeting the hubster’s extended family for the first time. Scary stuff guys. I don’t know what possessed me to try out a recipe for the first time in a kind-of-a-big deal situation like that, but sometimes this gal be crazy. No one out there had an idea what couscous was. To be honest, I am not even sure what it is myself. Is it a grain? A pasta? Can anyone help me, so silly things like this don’t plague my mind? I’m serious.
Anyways. My now Grandpa-in-law (is that even what you call it? I don’t know.) thought that “couscous” was just the funnest word to say ever. Side note: as far as I know, “funnest” is NOT a word but spell check is not telling me to change it…have things changed? Am I misinformed? Again, someone help me please.
I promise I am going to make it through this story by the end of this post, please stay with me…I also promise a delicious recipe awaits you at the end of my rambling.
So, I just remember him sitting in his chair going “coows coows” over and over again and then laughing . Probably one the most entertaining and cutest things of my life. Seriously guys, feed it to your grandparents.
Now lets talk couscous salad. This recipe feeds a small army, but it also makes super duper leftovers! In fact, I like it better the next day when all the flavors have gotten cozy and comfy and have gotten their mingle on. I’m having a new love affair with cous cous (but not one strong enough to trump my love of squash!) It is just so light and fluffy compared to something like rice. I find it doesn’t give me that heavy feeling in my stomach, but it keeps me nice and full. This salad is also just jam packed with our healthy little vegetable friends. The crunch from the cucumbers and red onion is the perfect finishing touch to the soft, airy couscous. Not to mention the feta cheese…I don’t even have to tell you how this adds to the dish. It’s cheese. Cheese is good. Always.
Finally the herbs and lemon dressing give it that nice, fresh zing that I think is the key to a perfect salad; grain free or not. You can even add some chicken or shrimp and pour yourself a nice glass of wine to make this a complete meal.
P.s If anyone is wondering, the couscous salad was a huge hit with the in-laws!
And for fun:
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
A quick and easy, healthy couscous salad featuring lots of bright, fresh vegetables. A great recipe to feed a crowd!
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup White wine vinegar
- 4 tsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp Granulated sugar.
- Salad:
- 1 Cup dry whole wheat cous cous
- 1/2 cup A Large red onion diced (about 1/2 )
- 1 cups Medium cucumber chopped (about 1 1/2 )
- 2 cups Large tomatoes chopped (about 1 1/2 )
- 3/4 cup Fat free or light feta cheese
- 3 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Fresh basil sliced
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot,bring 1 1/4 Cups of water to a boil
- Once the water is boiling, add the cous cous, cover and remove from the heat.
- While your cous cous sits, dice the red onion, cucumbers and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar and lemon juice. Pop in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Add the sugar into the warm lemon juice mixture, and stir until dissolved. Set aside,
- Remove the lid from the pot, and fluff the cous cous with a fork. Transfer it into a large bowl.
- Add the chopped veggies to the cous cous, along with the feta cheese, Italian seasoning, basil and garlic powder.
- Mix until everything is combined and the Italian seasoning has been dispersed evenly.
- Pour the white wine vinegar mixture over the cous cous, mixing well.
- Season with a good amount of salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top and serve.
Recipe Notes
This is great served warm or cold!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try this recipe I would love to see it and share it! Tag me on IG @foodfaithfit, using the hashtag #foodfaithfitFOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAG @FOODFAITHFIT AND #FOODFAITHFITNESS ON INSTRAGRAM! I LOVE SEEING YOUR RECIPE RECREATIONS! 🙂
Want more easy salad ideas?
Healthy Grilled Ranch Potato Salad
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August 8, 2013 at 4:54 amI have an email subscription on the right hand side! Thanks for the support!
Alyssa {Cake, Crust, and Sugar Dust} says
June 20, 2014 at 5:39 amI’m loving the flashback! So fun to see old recipes revived! I only wish you would have posted this about a week ago so I would have seen this fab recipe when I decided to randomly make couscous for the first time without guidance! Definitely pinning so that I can actually make couscous that makes sense next time 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:35 amHaha oh no!! Without guidance either goes HORRIBLY wrong or AMAZING right in my books! I am guessing that it was the former for you? But I hope not!
Thanks for the love and pin, I hope that the 2nd time is a charm! 😀
Derek the Zen Chef says
June 20, 2014 at 5:40 amThis is perfect since I actually brought cous cous with me to Busan to cook something for my in-laws that they might find new and interesting; then we never ended up using it, so I brought the cous cous to Japan for three months, and didn’t use it AGAIN, and have now brought it back to Korea. In the ten more days before I head back to the states again, I am DEFINITELY using rit up somehow, and this will be a great way. Thanks for sharing!
D
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:34 amWHAT?! 2 times and not using it?! You have to make it happen Derek! I hope that you love this recipe….And, so cool that you’re in Korea…totally jealous!
Alessandra @ the foodie teen says
June 20, 2014 at 8:38 amYour photography has improved loads – well done you! I always called it ‘kiss kiss’ as a child 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:33 amHaha thank you so much Alessandra!! Kiss kiss? TOO CUTE! 🙂
karen says
June 21, 2014 at 5:04 pmOh my Allessandra, I am going to forever be thinking ‘kiss kiss’ from here forward. Love it! Thanks for sharing
Bri | Bites of Bri says
June 20, 2014 at 10:58 amTaylor, looks great! I also love salads like this that can be served warm or cold, are easily adapted, and make great leftovers! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:32 amThanks Bri! I love me a good “leftover” recipe as well…since we have to eat a lot of those in this house! 🙂
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
June 20, 2014 at 11:01 amHey Taylor!
Nothing wrong with bringing a couscous salad to Bible study (and since the In-laws liked it and I’m a teacher, you get an A+ for the day!)
I love the pinch of fresh lemon juice. Great idea.
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:32 amHaha thanks Laura! I am glad you approve of everything! Happy Friday beautiful lady 🙂
shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
June 20, 2014 at 11:24 amYour Flashback Friday recipe and it’s memory is the funnest evah! Apparently, not just love for your cous cous salad, but your gangsta talk is spreading too! 🙂
I love cous cous – I used to eat it all the time but I haven’t had it in awhile – thanks for reminding me I need it back in my life! Love your addition of white wine vinegar – I need to try that next time.
Have a wonderful weekend Taylor!
Oh hey – is it possible for you to have a recording of your presentation at HLS broadcasted on here?
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 11:31 amHaha! YES! Is it wrong that the spreadage of gangsta speak makes me happier than the salad?
Thanks Shashi! I hope you love it, I adore couscous!
Umm…that I don’t know. Honestly, probably not 🙁 I’ll ask, but they probably want to keep it for people that paid, you know?
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan(dot)com says
June 21, 2014 at 3:01 amYeah you are probably right – if only they had a way of allowing presentations downloadable for a price…no worries though – maybe next year I will be at HLS.
Taylor Kiser says
June 21, 2014 at 11:06 amYes! Next year!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
June 20, 2014 at 12:11 pmThis couscous salad looks amazing! I love that you brought back this recipe from when you first started blogging. Your pictures were great even back then! 🙂 Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 12:22 pmHaha well thank you so much Gayle, you’re the best! I love me some couscous! 😀 Happy Friday lady! xo
Jennifer Green says
June 20, 2014 at 1:53 pmThis looks delicious!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 2:53 pmThanks Jennifer!
Kelly - LEFT SIDE OF THE TABLE says
June 20, 2014 at 1:59 pmI not only LOVE the story behind this post, but the fact that you revisited your very first one!! How special! It’s kind of unfortunate when you’re a new blogger, you put out some of your favorite recipes, but your photography skills develop so much that looking back at first posts can be daunting lol. Love the new pics, and really the old ones aren’t bad!! I love couscous, and love the natural full flavors you used. When I get in-laws, I will sure keep this dish in mind 😉 Thanks sweet Taylor!!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 2:57 pmThanks Kelly! I am so glad you love my laziness! 😉
RIGHT?! That is how I feel about so many about my old recipes….And you’re sweet for saying the old photos aren’t bad. A sweet liar 😉 ha!
Thanks lady, happy weekend!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
June 20, 2014 at 2:07 pmOh! I love flashbacks. Amazing how practice helps immensely. I look back and my first photos and snicker. I’ve come a long back but have a REALLY long way to go.
Love that salad bowl. It’s gorgeous (and so is that salad)!
Happy Friday Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 2:58 pmRight! There is only so much that Google can tell you before you just do it over and over and get better!!
Thanks Melanie, happy weekend pretty lady!
Julia says
June 20, 2014 at 5:07 pmI loooooooooove couscous! I’m going to feed it to myself. And my grandparents! Love the Mediterranean twist. Have a great weekend!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 6:49 pmHaha perfect! Couscous for all! Thanks lady, have an amazing vacay pretty!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
June 20, 2014 at 8:18 pmTotally the perfect side dish to bring to the next BBQ party!
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 9:56 pmGlad you think so pretty lady!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
June 20, 2014 at 9:20 pmLove this Flashback! I have so many delicious posts on Bakerita from waaay back that so do not get the love they deserve because of my poor photo taking abilities. This salad looks absolutely delicious, and I love that it’s stood the test of time 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 20, 2014 at 9:55 pmExactly, it’s so frustrating! Thanks so much girl! Happy weekend!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
June 21, 2014 at 1:22 amOh Taylor! This salad is just gorgeous! Definitely a good call for a flashback 🙂 Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
June 21, 2014 at 11:07 amThank you SO much for the salad love and pinning lady! Happy Saturday! 🙂
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
June 21, 2014 at 1:42 amFlashback Friday – so fun! This salad looks great, and your original photos are still really good! That wooden bowl is so awesome!
Taylor Kiser says
June 21, 2014 at 11:07 amHaha you’re cute…;)
Thanks Cate! Happy weekend!
Nicole, RD says
June 21, 2014 at 10:49 amThere are so many great recipes I need to remake and rephotograph and repost. If it’s good enough for a reappearance on the blog, you know it’s a winning recipe! Can’t wait to make this…I love couscous!
Taylor Kiser says
June 21, 2014 at 11:06 amExactly! Thanks Nicole – I love it too! Happy weekend!
Faith says
June 21, 2014 at 2:56 pmBursting at the seams with flavor! Love anything easy peasy 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 22, 2014 at 1:32 amThanks Faith!
Stephanie @ Long Distance Baking says
June 21, 2014 at 3:25 pmSuch a fun idea!! I love seeing the old pics too 🙂 This is basically how I make my pasta salad which I DEVOUR all summer long…maybe I should try with cous cous (my computer just changed that to cow cow….) to make it a bit healthier!
Oh…and I totes say funnest, even though I don’t think it’s a real word either?? One of life’s great mysteries I guess 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
June 22, 2014 at 1:32 amHAHA @ cow cow.YES, try it with couscous…it’s YUMMAY!
I am glad I am not alone in “funnest” It’s just such a great word!! Happy weekend lady!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
June 22, 2014 at 2:23 pmYour photography has improved so so so much I’m jealous ahhh. And even that way, your first pics were loads better than mine was hehehe. I’m always frightened that people go into my recipe index and find them *ooops*.
And the salad looks absolutely delicious and fresh. I’d love to give it a go anytime soon;)
Taylor Kiser says
June 22, 2014 at 5:17 pmHaha thanks girl! I am the same way, I never want people to see the old stuff! But, we all start somewhere!
You should, I think you’d love it! Happy Sunday lady!xoxo
Rachel Cooks says
June 22, 2014 at 5:53 pmYour old photos are pretty impressive! Mine are terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible.
Taylor Kiser says
June 22, 2014 at 6:47 pmHaha well thanks! Hey girl, I’ve seen yours…not that bad at all!!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
June 23, 2014 at 11:46 amLove these flashbacks to older recipes. It’s so much fun to revisit our faves, isn’t it?! This would be a killer side for a backyard bbq too!
Taylor Kiser says
June 23, 2014 at 12:18 pmYes, it is so fun! Thanks Chris, I agree with the BBQ side! Happy Monday 🙂
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Taylor Kiser says
June 27, 2014 at 7:59 pmThank you so much!
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Taylor Kiser says
August 25, 2014 at 12:12 pmThanks so much! I am so glad you’re here and decided to comment- I don’t bite 🙂
JB says
August 9, 2015 at 6:20 amI couldn’t even get through the whole article because of the excessive writing and trying to be cute and ‘gangsta.’
Honestly the most annoying thing about bloggers is when they go on and on before the recipe. Just show a few pictures and post the recipe. Get to the point!
Your writing style is incredibly annoying and while I’m sure you have some great recipes, I definitely won’t be back to see any of them.
Taylor Kiser says
August 9, 2015 at 6:59 amThis is my writing style because it’s how I am as a person in real life, and I don’t believe in trying to be someone you’re not. If you don’t like it, Feel free to just scroll down to the bottom and to grab the recipe and look at the photos. 🙂
Daniel W says
August 13, 2015 at 7:38 pmHOLY FETA! I just made this salad and let me tell you, it is unbelievable! I subbed good olive oil for the balsamic vinegar to add richness and doubled the portions for lunch the whole week. It’s incredible. The flavors work so well together and everything is just fantastic. if only it weren’t so ingredient heavy…but well worth it!
Taylor Kiser says
August 14, 2015 at 6:56 amI am SO glad you loved it! It’s still one of my go to lunches even though this is an old recipe!! Thanks for sharing Daniel! 😀