Zesty Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

The sun spills warm golden rays over a vibrant bowl of Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette, teasing your taste buds with its zesty aroma. Picture fluffy couscous dancing amongst fresh veggies, all lightly coated in a tangy lime basil dressing that could make even the most mundane salad jealous. Chipotle Guacamole for your meals This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to a flavorful fiesta that will have your guests singing praises and possibly doing the cha-cha in delight.

This delightful salad brings back memories of summer picnics where laughter mingled with flavors, and the clinking of glasses echoed under the shade of tall trees. Ideal for potlucks, casual lunches, or simply when you want to impress without breaking a sweat, this Couscous Salad is versatile enough to steal the show on any table. Get ready to dive into a bowl of freshness that promises to tickle your senses and leave you craving more!

Ingredients for Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Couscous: Use medium or pearl couscous for a chewy texture that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for their sweet burst of flavor; they add color and juiciness.
• Cucumber: A crisp cucumber adds refreshing crunch; opt for English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds.
• Red Bell Pepper: This sweet pepper brings vibrant color and essential vitamins; chop it finely for even distribution.
• Fresh Basil: Use bright green leaves for the vinaigrette; basil gives an aromatic lift that pairs perfectly with lime.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for that zingy kick; avoid bottled juice if possible!
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the vinaigrette’s richness—don’t skimp here!
• Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples are crucial for enhancing all flavors in your salad; season generously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Couscous

Bring water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add couscous along with a pinch of salt, cover, and remove from heat. Flavorful Comeback Sauce Let it sit for about five minutes until fluffy.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

While couscous cools down, grab your knife and board. Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency; nobody wants a salad that requires acrobatics!

Step 3: Whip Up the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped basil leaves, and olive oil. Whisk vigorously until emulsified—like you’re training for the Olympic whisking team! Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, fluff up your cooled couscous using a fork. Toss in the chopped veggies and drizzle over your zesty vinaigrette. Gently mix until everything is coated—this should feel like giving your salad a luxurious spa treatment.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

For optimal flavor infusion, let your salad chill in the fridge for about thirty minutes before serving. However, if you’re too eager (we don’t blame you), dig right in!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful Couscous Salad onto plates or into bowls. For an extra touch of flair, garnish with additional basil leaves or lime wedges before serving—your guests will be begging for seconds!

Get ready to enjoy this light yet satisfying dish that’s just bursting with flavor! Whether it’s lunch at home or part of an elegant dinner party spread, this Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette will always hit the mark. Trust me; once you’ve tasted it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results with your couscous salad, start by cooking the couscous according to package instructions while prepping your veggies. Chop everything finely for that perfect bite-sized texture. Finally, whisk together the lime basil vinaigrette and mix it all together for a harmonious blend.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your couscous salad with whatever ingredients tickle your fancy! Swap out cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or add in some feta cheese for an extra creamy bite. You can even toss in some nuts or seeds for that delightful crunch! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of your couscous salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of lime juice to refresh those flavors.

Sometimes, I whip up this couscous salad when friends come over, and they rave about it! One time, I made enough for leftovers, but guess what? There were none left!

FAQs

What is Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette?

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines fluffy couscous with fresh vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette made from lime juice and basil. This salad is perfect for warm weather and serves as an excellent side or light main dish. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy meal prep option.

How do I store Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette?

To store Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to three days in the fridge. To keep the salad fresh, consider adding any delicate ingredients, such as herbs or avocado, just before serving. When ready to eat, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the flavors before enjoying.

Can I customize my Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette?

Absolutely! One of the great things about Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is its versatility. You can add various vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers. You can also include proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added nutrition. Chickpea Curry with Spinach Rice Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Is Couscous healthy?

Couscous is a nutritious grain option that’s low in fat and high in carbohydrates. It’s a good source of protein when paired with legumes or meats. The addition of fresh vegetables in Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette enhances its nutritional profile by providing essential vitamins and minerals. Overall, this salad can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion for Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of flavors that can brighten any meal. Its versatility allows for customization based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Storing leftovers is easy, ensuring you can enjoy this dish multiple times throughout the week. Overall, this salad not only offers great taste but also packs nutritional benefits, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish bursting with flavor. Fluffy couscous pairs beautifully with colorful vegetables, all dressed in a zesty lime basil vinaigrette that elevates each bite. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, this salad makes for an impressive side or light main course. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual lunches, it’s bound to leave your guests wanting more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup medium couscous
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook couscous according to package instructions in boiling water or broth; let sit covered for 5 minutes until fluffy.
2. While couscous cools, dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Fluff cooled couscous with a fork in a large bowl; add chopped vegetables and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently until well coated.
5. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor infusion or serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg