Tomato Basil Couscous Salad

Name: Tomato Basil Couscous Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup dry couscous; 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided; 1 lemon zested and juiced; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved; 1 Persian cucumber diced; 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn; 1 cup ciliegine mozzarella or cubed fresh mozzarella; 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste; freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts optional

Fluffy tomato basil couscous salad with lemon, cucumber, and soft mozzarella pearls — a Sunny Afternoon Picnic lunch that travels kindly.

DifficultyEasyTotal time23 minServes4

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook8 min

Total23 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Mixing bowl with lid or plate
Fork
Knife and cutting board
Small whisk or fork for dressing

Method

Fluff the couscous

Place couscous in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Pour boiling water or broth over it, cover tightly, and rest 5 to 8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool 10 minutes.

Chop the garden

Halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the onion thin, and tear the basil. Whisk remaining olive oil with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Toss and serve

Fold vegetables, basil, mozzarella, and dressing into the couscous. Taste and adjust lemon and salt. Top with pine nuts if using. Serve cool or room temperature.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

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Fluff the couscous

Chop the garden

Toss and serve

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