Description
This Cold Couscous Salad with Roasted Veggies is a refreshing and hearty dish loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Fluffy couscous meets caramelized roasted vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing — perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches!
Ingredients
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon-Herb Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, place couscous in a large bowl and pour boiling water or broth over it.
5. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
6. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
7. Add roasted vegetables to the couscous, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine.
8. Stir in crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
9. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Swap couscous for quinoa or bulgur for a whole-grain twist.
Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cold couscous salad, roasted vegetable salad, Mediterranean couscous, healthy lunch recipe