Make Ahead

Israeli Couscous Salad

July 24, 2014
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

A little bit addictive Israeli and somewhat Greek salad--for hot nights and next-day lunches or picnics. A grilled tuna fillet on top makes a beautiful summer main. Alone, it is easily adapted for vegans or for use with other vegetables. Fun to add chopped olives, capers, etc. if you'd like. —Alyce Morgan

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups Boiling water
  • 1 cup Israeli or pearl couscous
  • Olive oil
  • kosher salt +fresh ground pepper
  • 2 English cucumbers, diced
  • 3 Tomatoes (small), seeded + diced (cut in half and squeeze seeds out; chop rest)
  • 1/2 cup Parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Oregano, fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 4 Scallions, minced (green + white parts)
  • 3 Garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/3 cup Feta cheese (about 2 ounces), chopped. Reserve a bit for garnish.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon peel, grated
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Crushed red pepper
Directions
  1. Pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over the Israeli couscous in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 8 minutes or until tender. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Set aside uncovered.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, peppers, onions, garlic, feta, and lemon peel. Add the couscous and mix. Drizzle lemon juice over all, season well with a good pinch of crushed red pepper, kosher salt and black pepper, and stir well. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil and mix well. Taste, re-season if necessary, and serve at room temperature. Good cold next day or two for lunches and picnics.

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