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Spring Couscous Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

Fresh Spring Couscous Salad with Zesty Feta Vinaigrette

Enjoy this vibrant Spring Couscous Salad with Feta Vinaigrette, featuring fresh asparagus and sweet peas, perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Pearl Couscous Can be swapped with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Asparagus Fresh and slightly crisp; green beans can be used if asparagus is unavailable.
  • 1 cup Peas Frozen peas work beautifully for an easy option.
  • 1/2 cup Shelled Pistachios Substitute with walnuts or omit for nut-free diets.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; cilantro is a tasty alternative if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For drizzling.
  • 1 cup Microgreens For garnishing; any leafy greens work if microgreens are hard to find.
For the Lemon Feta Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Essential for blending ingredients harmoniously.
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese Adds the necessary tangy creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Always use fresh.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Enhances the dressing's freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup Adjust to taste for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds depth to the vinaigrette.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Infuses herby flavors.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust based on your taste preference.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • large serving bowl

Method
 

Cook the Couscous
  1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then add the pearl couscous. Cook according to package instructions (10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain excess water, fluff with a fork, and season lightly with salt. Allow to cool.
Sauté the Asparagus and Peas
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped asparagus and sauté for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender. Add sweet peas and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Feta Vinaigrette
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mash the feta with a fork and blend until smooth. Add honey, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large serving bowl, combine cooled couscous, sautéed asparagus, and peas. Add chopped pistachios and parsley. Pour feta vinaigrette over and toss gently to coat.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Serve the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with microgreens or any leafy greens on hand.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill enhances its flavors. Perfect as a side or light meal.

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