Lemon couscous salad with tomatoes, cucumber and pine nuts

Discover a refreshing and zesty lemon couscous salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and pine nuts. Perfectly seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of onion, this vibrant dish makes a delightful, healthy meal or side. Easy to prepare and full of flavor!

11 Mar 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 cup couscous
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup cucumber
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp onion
1 tsp lemon zest
Lemon couscous salad with tomatoes, cucumber and pine nuts

Welcome to a refreshing and vibrant Lemon Couscous Salad recipe! This dish combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the nutty taste of pine nuts. It's perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or as a side dish to any main course. Simple yet flavorful, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Couscous:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the water.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Toast the Pine Nuts:
- In a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the toasted pine nuts from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, finely chopped onion, toasted pine nuts, and lemon zest.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the lemon couscous salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips:

- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Let the couscous cool to room temperature before mixing it with the vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- For added color and flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.

- You can substitute other fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers or red onions, for variety.

There you have it – a delightful Lemon Couscous Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and pine nuts that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you're making it for a casual meal at home or for a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking, and savor every bite!

Nutrition per serving

2 Servings
Calories 220kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 2.73g
Sugar 2.83g
Fat 24g

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