Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Raw Squash and Feta
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(46)
Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 ⅓ cup whole wheat Israeli couscous (or any other small pasta shape, about 3 cups cooked)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste (from 1 to 2 lemons)
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
- ⅓ cup pitted and thinly sliced Kalamata olives
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into super thin rounds
- 1 small yellow squash, sliced into super thin rounds
- ⅓ cup (⅔ ounce) chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley
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Preparation
Step 1
Cook the couscous until al dente, according to package directions. Drain off any excess water.
Step 2
Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the pine nuts until they’re turning lightly golden on the sides and fragrant. Transfer them to a bowl to cool.
Step 3
In a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, salt and several twists of black pepper until combined.
Step 4
Add the couscous to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing. Top the couscous with the toasted pine nuts, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olives, zucchini and squash, and basil. Stir to combine.
Step 5
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add an extra tablespoon or two of lemon juice if it needs more brightness. For the best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This salad will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
Step 6
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Chef's notes
Change it up:
Use any small whole wheat pasta shape instead of couscous. Orzo, small shells, and farfalle are great options.
Make it gluten free:
Substitute your favorite small gluten-free pasta for the couscous.
Make it vegan:
Omit the cheese and add more olives for a salty punch.
Make it nut free:
Omit pine nuts if necessary.
