• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Marin Mama Cooks

Tasty foods for families

  • home
  • Recipes
    • Recipes Index
    • beverages
    • breakfast
    • lunch
    • after school snacks
    • dinner
      • burgers & patties
      • chicken
      • meats
      • meatless meals
      • Mexican
      • Pastas
      • pizza
      • seafood
    • side dishes
      • breads and grains
      • popovers
      • potatoes
      • salsas
      • sauces
      • veggie burgers and patties
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • brownies and bars
      • cakes and cupcakes
      • chocolate
      • Cookies
      • pies and tarts
    • meatless meals
    • salads
    • dressings
    • Soups
    • smoothies & juices
    • family favorites
    • most popular recipes
    • weeknight dinners
    • kale
    • Quinoa
    • weekly dinner menu
  • how to
  • random
  • videos
  • about me
  • work with me

Israeli couscous salad

July 17, 2013 by Marin Mama 26 Comments

Israeli couscous salad I love it when I find new salads or summer side dishes that can be made ahead to marinate all day or made on the fly to eat up right then and there. This salad is one of those salads that tastes great either way. This is the perfect salad to bring to a potluck, picnic or to serve up in your own backyard. It’s full of summer flavor from the fresh mint, parsley and cherry tomatoes. We love pairing this salad with chicken drumsticks and one of my kale salads for a family backyard dinner. You can really make this a year round salad by adding seasonal ingredients to the mixture, like asparagus in the spring, cauliflower or broccoli in the winter.

I made this salad up last night to bring to my friend Yvonne’s house for a girls dinner. I paired it with my grilled bruschetta with heirloom tomatoes and my kid friendly caesar salad. It was the perfect throw together summer dinner because I made everything ahead of time. I made up the couscous salad earlier in the day, made the croutons and salad dressing for the caesar salad the night before and then threw everything together at Yvonne’s house come dinner.  If you get a bunch of great side dishes, you can make a meal out of them. Here’s a photo of our backyard picnic dinner.


israeli couscous salad (1 of 1)-8

Israeli couscous salad:

recipe from Bon Appetit
serves 6-8

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous (1 cup dry will yield 1 1/2 cups cooked)
  • 1 small shallot (aprox 2 tablespoons), finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 English cucumber, unpeeled, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 pint of cherry/grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Here’s what Israeli couscous looks like, incase you haven’t seen it before. You can find it near the boxed couscous in the grocery store.

Israeli couscous (1 of 1)-2Cook your Israeli couscous according to package directions. 1 cup dry makes 1 1/2 cups cooked couscous. Make sure to keep any eye on the couscous as it’s cooking because it tends to cook up quicker than the package says, at least in my case.

Israeli couscous (1 of 1)-3After the couscous is cooked, drain it and then rinse it immediately with cold water, and then drain well.  I had to use a fine mesh strainer to drain my couscous as the holes in my normal strainer are a bit too large. I also used a spatula to get the couscous out of the pan as it was a bit sticky. The cold water rinse stops the cooking and prevents the couscous from sticking together as it cools. Note: The couscous will be sticky before you rinse it.

While your couscous is cooking or cooling, finely chop your shallot. You don’t need a big shallot for this recipe. Below is a picture of the size I used and it yielded 2 tablespoons once it was chopped. chopped shallotsRinse your cucumber, cut off the ends, cut it into slices lengthwise, take a knife and slice off the seeds, then finely chop up the cucumber. I’m showing you step-by-step photos below just in-case you needed to see the process.

slicing a cucumber

diced english cucumber (1 of 1)Squeeze up your 2 tablespoons lemon juice, rinse and cut your cherry tomatoes in half, and rinse and finely chop up your parsley and mint.  Now that all of your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the salad.

ingredients for Israeli couscous salad (1 of 1)Get out a large bowl and add the 1/2 cup olive oil, chopped shallot, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, whisk to combine.

DSC_0093Add in the couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and mint.

DSC_0100Add in a bit of salt and pepper to taste, (I omitted the pepper, but feel free to add some) and toss to combine.

DSC_0103Serve up right away or store covered in the refrigerator for later. I personally like to let the salad cool off in the refrigerator for a bit so all of the ingredients mesh together.

You can make this salad the day before for an event, just omit the mint and parsley, cover and chill the salad, and then fold in the freshly chopped mint and parsley before serving.

israeli couscous salad

Israeli couscous salad
 
Save Print
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups cooked Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous (1 cup dry will yield 1½ cups cooked)
  • 1 small shallot (aprox 2 tablespoons), finely chopped
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 English cucumber, unpeeled, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 pint of cherry/grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. You can find Israeli couscous near the boxed couscous in the grocery store.
  2. Cook your Israeli couscous according to package directions. 1 cup dry makes 1½ cups cooked couscous. Make sure to keep any eye on the couscous as it's cooking because it tends to cook up quicker than the package says, at least in my case.
  3. After the couscous is cooked, drain it and then rinse it immediately with cold water, and then drain well.
  4. I had to use a fine mesh strainer to drain my couscous as the holes in my normal strainer are a bit too large. I also used a spatula to get the couscous out of the pan as it was a bit sticky. The cold water rinse stops the cooking and prevents the couscous from sticking together as it cools. Note: The couscous will be sticky before you rinse it.
  5. While your couscous is cooking or cooling, finely chop your shallot.
  6. Rinse your cucumber, cut off the ends, cut it into slices lengthwise, take a knife and slice off the seeds, then finely chop up the cucumber. I show you step-by-step photos in my post just in-case you want or need to see the process.
  7. Squeeze up your 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
  8. Rinse and cut your cherry tomatoes in half.
  9. Rinse and finely chop up your parsley and mint.
  10. Now that all of your ingredients are prepped, it's time to assemble the salad.
  11. Get out a large bowl and add the ½ cup olive oil, chopped shallot, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, whisk to combine.
  12. Add in the couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and mint.
  13. Add in a bit of salt and pepper to taste, (I omitted the pepper, but feel free to add some) and toss to combine.
  14. Serve up right away or store covered in the refrigerator for later. I personally like to let the salad cool off in the refrigerator for a bit so all of the ingredients mesh together.
  15. You can make this salad the day before for an event, just omit the mint and parsley, cover and chill the salad, and then fold in the freshly chopped mint and parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 6 to 8
3.5.3251
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

if you liked this recipe...

  • roasted sweet potato and farro saladroasted sweet potato and farro salad
  • easy farro salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and basileasy farro salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and basil
  • oven roasted sweet potato halvesoven roasted sweet potato halves
  • quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mintquinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint
  • Facebook0
  • Google+0
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest0
  • Email
0

Filed Under: breads and grains, dinner, lunch, meatless meals, Pastas, salads, side dishes, vegetarian Tagged With: dinner, meatless meals, pasta, salads, sidedishes

Previous Post: « Marin mama’s weekly dinner menu for July 14th
Next Post: Marin mama’s weekly dinner menu for July 21st »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mohamed says

    May 19, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    This salad was amazing This was my first time and all my family like it Thanks for this awesome blog ❤️

    Reply
    • Marin Mama says

      May 28, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      Awww.. Thanks for taking the time to comment Mohamed. I’m so happy to hear that your family loved the salad! 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn

      Reply
  2. Jamie says

    July 22, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    This was so easy to put together, and perfect for the 100+ degree heat in Austin. I’ve never cooked couscous before, but it turned out great. My family in seattle asked I email the recipe. Thanks

    Reply
    • Marin Mama says

      August 17, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Awesome Jamie! I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit and easy to make in the heat. Wow, 100+ degrees! It’s been so cool here that I would welcome a bit of heat 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kat says

    June 9, 2015 at 12:51 am

    This was awesome. I made it yesterday and it was completely gone by the end of lunch. The only thing I did different was omit the mint and I added lots of crumbled feta cheese. So so good. Thank you! My first experience with couscous was wonderful.

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      June 10, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you loved the couscous Kat! I also love your addition with the feta! I LOVE feta cheese. I may toss some in next time! Thanks so much for sharing! I hope you find some other recipes on the blog to try! xoxo, Jacquelyn

      Reply
  4. Kepanie says

    November 8, 2014 at 3:38 am

    I don’t have lemons. Could I use the juice of oranges instead? Would that be too weird on the taste buds?

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      November 10, 2014 at 5:07 am

      Hi Kepanie! I’m not too sure that oranges would pair well with this salad. I think it might throw off the whole flavor of the salad! Sorry!

      xoxo, Jacquelyn

      Reply
  5. Jasmine says

    May 27, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    Couscous isn’t Israeli, it comes from North Africa and a staple in Amazigh cuisine. If you ever get the chance to try Amazigh couscous I highly encourage you to do so! They cook it in a double boiler and it’s an all day process but sooo worth the work!

    Reply
  6. Agustina says

    May 21, 2014 at 2:21 am

    I came across your website when looking for a refreshing salad with Israeli couscous, since I had gotten it at the store for the first time. This is my new favorite recipe, made it at home for my family and brought it to work for potlucks. I always receive great compliments, and of course I share your site with them! Thanks for the recipe, and be sure I will be trying more.

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      May 30, 2014 at 3:24 am

      Hi Agustina! Yaay! I’m so happy that you made and love this recipe. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know, and thanks for passing along my site to your friends! You’re the best, and I hope that you find many more recipes that you love just as much on the blog 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo, Jackie

      Reply
  7. angela says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:09 am

    I came by looking for yield on couscous I like others prefer Isreli , just wanted to add.
    I like to roast my veggies , red onions tomatoes and olives , bell peppers , and then add that to my cooked Israel couscous . I think taking the extra time to of roasting adds another dimension of flavor to any dish like this. Another fav of mine is to tomatoes , olives and then add shredded spinach and make a nice stoneground mustard honey dressing , The possibilities are endless. I have yet to start making actual sauces using it I do look forward to it. Great Blog keep up the good work

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      January 6, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      Thanks so much Angela! I love the addition of the roasted veggies. You’re right that roasted veggies do add a whole new dimension to any dish! xoxo, Jackie

      Reply
  8. Liesl says

    September 8, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    I made this recently and wanted to pop back in and say it was good! I added a nice big splash of balsamic vinegar to add a bit more flavor.
    Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      September 8, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      Hi Liesl. First off, you have a beautiful name and secondly, I’m so happy to hear that you made and loved this salad. I also like your addition of the balsamic, I might have to add that next time. 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

      Reply
  9. Sharon B. says

    July 18, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    Oh girl, this looks delicious and summery and pretty and refreshing! I love dishes like this. My tomato radar is on high right now because I’m so drawn to anything with tomatoes in them right now, like your bruschetta and this salad. My mouth actually started to water when I saw the photo with these and your caesar salad. MMmm! There was some good eating happening at your friend Yvonne’s house! 🙂 xoxo, Sharon

    Reply
  10. jackiegrandy says

    July 18, 2013 at 11:29 pm

    Wow Shari! What an amazingly sweet comment! You totally made my week! Happy Birthday to your hubby! I’m so glad you love the recipes on the blog. I only share my favorite recipes, so I’m glad they are becoming your favorites as well. That cake is the bomb and one that gets requested at each and every birthday celebration. I’m actually craving a piece as I type this up! Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi! I really love hearing from readers, so don’t be a stranger 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

    Reply
  11. Shari Miller says

    July 18, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Hi Jackie,
    This comment has nothing to do with your current post. It has everything to do with your historical post on CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING. Oh, How I love this recipe! Today is my husband’s birthday and you probably guessed it – I’m making this cake for our gathering tonight. As an aside I love making recipes you share because they are consistently fabulous. Beyond that, I simply adore you. Opening up your recipes and seeing you is HAPPY!!!
    Thanks!
    Shari

    Reply
  12. Christy@SweetandSavoring says

    July 18, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Meals out of yummy side dishes are the best kinds of meals. And all the fresh herbs lately make dinnertime salads especially fresh and delicious! Gorgeous photos- must go get some couscous!

    Reply
  13. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    July 17, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    What a absolutely beautiful salad you made here! I’m going to try couscous instead of my regular quinoa, I can’t wait to give it a taste!

    Also, lovely pictures, love your dinner setup! 🙂

    Reply
  14. 2 sisters recipes says

    July 17, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Oh what a FABULOUS salad indeed! Love it for this weekend – thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  15. Cheryl says

    July 17, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    I love Israeli couscous – it sort of reminds me of quinoa but bigger…..and softer! There is a restaurant in Scottsdale called Olive & Ivy that serves a Mediterranean Salad with Israeli couscous that is very similar to this. I am such a creature of habit that I order it every time I go and it’s always fabulous! In fact, I was went there Saturday for brunch with my Mom and we both enjoyed it along with a killer Peach Bellini! Gotta love Brunch! I imagine this would be YUM with grilled chicken. Definitely adding it to my weekly menu options. Have a great week! xoxo

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      July 17, 2013 at 8:17 pm

      Hi Cheryl! You know, you have some of the best restaurants out there. First, Dr. Weil’s place and now this one! I need to visit Scottsdale 🙂 I’m not sure what a Peach Bellini is, but I’m going to google it!
      Yes, grilled chicken would be a great addition to make this more of an dinner rather than just a side dish! Great suggestion! I can’t wait to hear what you think when you give it a try. xoxo, Jackie

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 35+ Vegetarian Cookout Recipes - Delicious Knowledge says:
    May 13, 2015 at 3:48 am

    […] Israeli Couscous Salad // Vegan from Marin Mama Cooks […]

    Reply
  2. “…with my mind on the next meal and the next meal on my mind…” | Knitspiring Odyssey says:
    November 10, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    […] Israeli Couscous Salad: Was eaten up at the school, community day picnic despite me subbing the lemon (forgot to buy one) […]

    Reply
  3. citrus-marinated chicken – Marin Mama Cooks says:
    August 6, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    […] the marinade better. We paired this with a green bean salad and some french bread one night and my Israeli couscous salad and corn on the cob another night.  I mean it’s chicken, so go ahead and pair it with any of […]

    Reply

say something to Marin mama... Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Jacquelyn-Grandycircle

Hi! Welcome to Marin mama cooks! I’m a natural chef, as well as a mom who loves to cook up tasty and healthy whole foods for her family.
About Me...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Don’t miss a new recipe!

Search Marin Mama cooks…

most popular posts

beet, carrot, apple and ginger juice - no juicer required
roasted whole beets without foil
how to roast red peppers
easy overnight steel cut oats
chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting
Paul McCartney's refried bean tacos

how to make my lacinato kale salad

how to make perfect popovers

Footer

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT