Name: Couscous Salad Lime Basil: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes); 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered; 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lime zest; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Couscous Salad Lime Basil: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace with every bite of this vibrant and refreshing salad! Forget those heavy, mayonnaise-laden salads of yesteryear. This is a light, bright, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck gathering, or a sophisticated side to your grilled favorites.

Couscous, a staple in North African cuisine, has a rich history dating back centuries. Traditionally hand-rolled from semolina, it’s a symbol of hospitality and shared meals. While our version embraces modern convenience with readily available instant couscous, we honor its heritage by infusing it with fresh, vibrant flavors.

What makes this Couscous Salad Lime Basil so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures the fluffy couscous, the juicy tomatoes, the crisp cucumber, and the fragrant basil. But the real magic lies in the zesty lime dressing, which awakens the palate and ties all the flavors together in perfect harmony. People adore this salad because it’s not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly versatile and easy to make. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Ingredients:

1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Couscous:

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable broth (or water) and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial for properly hydrating the couscous and ensuring it’s fluffy and flavorful.
Add the couscous: Once the broth is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the couscous. Make sure all the couscous is submerged in the broth.
Cover and let it steam: Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Let the couscous sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the liquid and become tender. Don’t peek!
Fluff the couscous: After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork. This separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together. The couscous should be light and airy. If it seems a little wet, let it sit uncovered for a few more minutes, fluffing occasionally, until the excess moisture evaporates.
Cool the couscous: Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and let it cool completely. This is important because adding the dressing and other ingredients to warm couscous can make it mushy. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the couscous out on a baking sheet.

Making the Lime Basil Dressing:

Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and lime zest. Make sure the garlic is finely minced so it distributes evenly throughout the dressing. The lime zest adds an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Add the basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil should be freshly chopped to release its aromatic oils. Dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
Season to taste: Season the dressing with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and then taste and adjust as needed. Remember that the feta cheese (if using) will also add saltiness to the salad.

Assembling the Couscous Salad:

Combine the couscous and vegetables: Add the diced red onion, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and Kalamata olives (if using) to the bowl with the cooled couscous.
Pour the dressing over the salad: Pour the lime basil dressing over the couscous and vegetables.
Toss gently: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the couscous mushy.
Add the feta cheese (optional): If using feta cheese, gently crumble it over the salad.
Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preferences.
Chill (optional): For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. However, you can also serve it immediately if you’re short on time.

Tips and Variations:

Here are some ideas to customize your couscous salad:

Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans would all be delicious additions to this salad.
Use different herbs: Mint, parsley, or cilantro can be used in place of or in addition to the basil.
Add other vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would add a smoky flavor to the salad.
Make it gluten-free: Use quinoa or another gluten-free grain in place of the couscous.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
Sweeten it up: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a touch of sweetness.
Make it ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
Serving suggestions: This couscous salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or side dish. It also pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. You can also serve it as a topping for salads or grain bowls.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some substitutions you can make:

Couscous: Quinoa, bulgur, or orzo pasta can be used as substitutes for couscous. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the grain you choose.
Vegetable broth: Chicken broth or water can be used in place of vegetable broth.
Lime juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice.
Basil: Mint, parsley, or cilantro can be used in place of basil.
Red onion: White onion or shallots can be used as substitutes for red onion.
Cherry tomatoes: Any type of tomato can be used in place of cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Cucumber: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for cucumber.
Bell pepper: Any color bell pepper can be used. You can also use other vegetables like carrots or celery.
Kalamata olives: Any type of olive can be used, or you can omit them altogether.
Feta cheese: Goat cheese or Parmesan cheese can be used as substitutes for feta cheese. You can also omit the cheese if you prefer.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly drier as it sits, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or lime juice before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 8g

Conclusion:

This Couscous Salad with Lime and Basil isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal. From the fluffy couscous to the zesty lime dressing and the fragrant basil, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress.

Why is this Couscous Salad a Must-Try?

First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish for your next barbecue, or a potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this salad fits the bill. The combination of the nutty couscous, the bright lime, and the herbaceous basil creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

But the real magic lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up this salad. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. In under 30 minutes, you can have a stunning and delicious salad ready to enjoy. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort?

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving and customizing this couscous salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions will provide extra protein and make the salad a complete and satisfying dish.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables, feel free to toss in some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding some dried cranberries or golden raisins.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs! While basil is the star of this recipe, you can also try adding mint, cilantro, or parsley for a unique twist. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can also add a delightful textural element.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a finely chopped jalapeño to the salad. If you’re serving this salad at a barbecue, consider grilling the vegetables before adding them for a smoky flavor.

I Can’t Wait to Hear From You!

I’m so excited for you to try this Couscous Salad with Lime and Basil. I truly believe it will become a staple in your kitchen. Once you’ve given it a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think?

Please feel free to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this vibrant and delicious salad. Happy cooking! And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! I am confident you will love this recipe as much as I do. Enjoy!