A vibrant and refreshing dish, the Greek Couscous Salad Bowl blends Mediterranean flavors with the light texture of couscous. Packed with colorful vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this recipe is perfect as a healthy lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner option.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredie

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

1.For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine couscous, boiling water, olive oil, and salt. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint (if using).
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg

Health Benefits of Greek Couscous Salad

Greek Couscous Salad is a nutrient-dense dish that brings a wide range of health benefits. The combination of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports digestion, promotes heart health, and provides long-lasting energy. Couscous, as a base, offers complex carbohydrates and is low in fat, making it an ideal option for balanced meals.

Mediterranean Diet Influence

This salad fits perfectly within the Mediterranean diet, which is renowned for its emphasis on vegetables, olive oil, legumes, and moderate dairy consumption. Studies have consistently linked the Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, largely due to its emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats.

Protein Power from Feta Cheese

Feta cheese contributes not only rich flavor but also a modest amount of protein and calcium. Although it’s higher in sodium than some other cheeses, it’s used in moderation in this salad, helping support muscle health and bone strength while keeping the flavor profile vibrant.

Heart-Healthy Fats

Olive oil and kalamata olives both provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which contributes to overall cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

High in Dietary Fiber

The vegetables in this salad—cucumber, tomato, onion—add a generous amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. Fiber also plays a role in blood sugar regulation, making this salad a good option for individuals monitoring glucose levels.

Versatile Meal Option

Greek Couscous Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish, a side, or even as a filling for wraps or pita pockets. Its light yet satisfying qualities make it ideal for picnics, meal prep, and quick dinners throughout the week.

Vegetarian-Friendly

This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it a suitable option for those following a plant-based or meatless diet. It’s also easily adaptable for vegan diets by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best features of Greek Couscous Salad is how quickly it comes together. With just minimal chopping and a 5-minute couscous preparation time, the whole dish can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy individuals or families.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

Thanks to its sturdy ingredients and lack of highly perishable components, this salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

Refreshing and Flavorful

The salad is naturally cooling due to ingredients like cucumber and mint, which makes it particularly refreshing during warmer months. The lemon juice and vinegar in the dressing brighten the dish and enhance its overall flavor profile.

Customizable Add-Ons

This salad is easy to customize. Additions like chickpeas, grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, or avocado can elevate the dish into something more filling or cater to specific dietary needs. The base flavors pair well with a wide variety of ingredients.

Low in Saturated Fat

The use of olive oil instead of creamy dressings helps keep saturated fat low. Combined with the limited amount of cheese, this ensures the salad remains light while still offering good flavor and texture.

Supports Weight Management

Due to its fiber and protein content, Greek Couscous Salad can help support weight management by promoting satiety and reducing the urge to snack between meals. It’s nutrient-dense but not calorie-heavy, which is a great balance for those watching their intake.

Culturally Inspired Dish

This recipe offers a taste of Greek culinary tradition while using accessible, globally available ingredients. It bridges the gap between traditional Mediterranean dishes and modern dietary trends, making it both nostalgic and contemporary.

Ideal for All Seasons

Although particularly popular in summer, this salad can be enjoyed year-round. Ingredients like couscous, olives, and feta are available in most markets regardless of season, while the vegetable components can be adjusted to reflect seasonal availability.

Balanced Macronutrients

Greek Couscous Salad contains a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This macronutrient profile supports energy needs, muscle repair, and cognitive function, making it a well-rounded meal option for people of all ages.

Improves Gut Health

The fiber and natural plant compounds in this salad can have a prebiotic effect, helping support the growth of healthy gut bacteria. A balanced gut microbiome has been associated with improved immunity and mental health.

Reduces Inflammation

Key ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of illnesses, so eating anti-inflammatory foods can contribute to overall wellness.

Great for Entertaining

Greek Couscous Salad is an excellent dish for sharing at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. It can be made in large batches, is visually appealing, and accommodates a range of dietary preferences, which makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Sustainable Choice

Couscous requires less water and fewer resources to produce compared to many animal-based proteins. Choosing more plant-forward dishes like this one contributes to a more sustainable food system and helps reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

Greek Couscous Salad is much more than a simple side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that support good health and satisfy a variety of dietary needs. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and rooted in one of the healthiest global cuisines, this dish stands out as a smart, flavorful addition to anyone’s menu. Whether you’re looking to adopt healthier eating habits, explore Mediterranean-inspired recipes, or prepare quick, satisfying meals, this salad offers everything you need in one bowl.