Tomato couscous salad

Tomato couscous salad

20 min
Our tomato couscous salad pairs fluffy couscous with the crisp freshness of mint and a zesty lemon kick. Enjoy the creamy white cheese and the crunch of fresh cucumber and juicy tomatoes, making each mouthful wonderfully refreshing. This salad is ideal as a standalone lunch or alongside grilled meats.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/tomato-couscous-salad/

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, bring lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add the couscous. Cover the saucepan with a tea towel and let it rest for 5–7 minutes.
  • Drain the white cheese cubes.
  • Grate the zest of half a lemon and squeeze the fruit until you have 2 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice.
  • Coarsely chop the broad-leaf parsley and mint, slice the spring onion into small rings, the cherry tomatoes into quarters, and the cucumber into small cubes.
  • Carefully toss all the ingredients (including the white cheese cubes) with the couscous and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about tomato couscous salad

Below, we answer common questions to help you make a fantastic tomato couscous salad. Read on to learn more!

Can I make tomato couscous salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare a couscous salad with tomatoes ahead of time. For the best taste, keep the salad in the fridge for no more than 4 hours before serving. If you are getting ready a day in advance, store the tomatoes and white cheese separately to keep them fresh. Cook the couscous and mix it with the oil from the white cheese up to a day ahead, and keep it chilled in a sealed container. Before serving, mix the cold couscous with the fresh ingredients.
How should I store leftover couscous salad?
For fresh-tasting tomato couscous salad, seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This keeps it fresh and flavourful for up to 5 days. Do not freeze the salad, or you risk the vegetables turning soggy.

Ingredients

275 g
Couscous
125 g
Water
135 ml
Cherry tomatoes
300 g
Cucumber
½
Spring onions
75 g
Organic lemon
1
Broad-leaf parsley
40 g
Moroccan mint
15 g
Salt
Black pepper

Tips: Improve your tomato couscous salad

To ensure that your tomato couscous salad turns out delicious every time, we have a few tips for you.

Uniformly cut herbs and vegetables

Chop the broad-leaf parsley, Moroccan mint, spring onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber into small, even pieces. This ensures every bite is a perfect mix of flavours and textures. For cucumbers with lots of seeds, cut out the seeds in a V-shape to keep the crunch without watering down the salad.

Avoid couscous clumping

To keep couscous from clumping, add it to boiling water and stir briefly, just for about 30 seconds. This helps each grain absorb water at the same rate. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let the couscous sit for 5 to 7 minutes. After it sits, uncover and fluff it with a fork, breaking up any remaining clumps with your hands if necessary.

Discover our delicious tomato couscous salad

Light and fluffy couscous meets fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in our tomato couscous salad. The couscous works as the perfect backdrop, absorbing all the juicy flavours from the vegetables and tangy white cheese. With a touch of mint, the dish takes on a refreshing, cooling feel that makes it a prime choice for summertime salads or when you need a bright, light dish in the darker months.

Are couscous-based recipes right up your alley? Then, try our couscous tabbouleh with white cheese or our pearl couscous salad with oven-roasted tomatoes.

Filled with colourful vegetables and creamy white cheese

Making a tomato couscous salad is all about balancing the fluffy couscous with crisp and creamy textures. The cucumber is diced into humble chunks that add a refreshing crunch, while the ripe cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness. Introducing soft white cheese to the salad provides a welcome creaminess along with a slightly tangy flavour.

A refreshing touch with zesty lemon, mint, and parsley

Aromatic herbs like broad-leaf parsley and Moroccan mint add a fragrant depth that unites the many flavours of the salad. The herbs are joined by zesty lemon, introducing an acidic element that cuts through the rich cheese and enhances the salad’s freshness. This way, you have a couscous salad with mint and tomatoes that is easily enjoyed on its own or with other rich dishes.

Prepare a tasty lunch in just 20 minutes

Our recipe for tomato couscous salad comes together in just about 20 minutes, allowing you to prepare a portion whenever you feel like it. Maybe you are working from home and need to treat yourself, or perhaps the weekend has arrived, and you want a special lunch. Either way, the couscous salad is a quick gateway to a fast and delicious meal.

Put your own spin on the recipe

Play around with the ingredients and consider adding roasted cherry tomatoes, courgettes, or peppers to give your couscous salad extra colour and flavour. These vegetables offer a smoky sweetness that blends well with the mint as well as other aromatic herbs.

Pair the salad with grilled lamb chops or roast beef for a hearty meal. You can also go for roasted shrimp or grilled chicken, as they complement the salad’s flavours well. These options all contribute a savoury element to the dish that never overshadows the delicate couscous and fresh herbs and vegetables.