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I often turn to couscous when I need a quick side dish or a light lunch. It cooks so fast and works with almost any vegetable or herb I have in my fridge. These salads are perfect for busy weeks, warm days, or when I just want something fresh that doesn’t feel heavy.
Here are 19 light couscous salad recipes I make regularly.
They are simple to put together, great for making ahead, and always feel like a wholesome choice.
1. Simple Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous tossed with a generous amount of fresh parsley, dill, and mint, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. I enjoy this as a bright, refreshing side with grilled chicken or fish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Couscous mixed with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. A lemon garlic vinaigrette brings it all together. This is my go-to for an easy, flavorful picnic salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
3. Cucumber and Feta Couscous Salad
Small pearl couscous combined with diced cucumber, red onion, and plenty of feta. The dressing is simply olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. It’s cool, creamy, and tangy.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
4. Greek Yogurt Dill Couscous Salad
Couscous coated in a light, creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill. I stir in some chopped celery for crunch. This salad feels rich but is actually very light.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
5. Spring Vegetable Couscous Salad
Pearl couscous with steamed asparagus pieces, fresh peas, and chopped radishes. A light lemony dressing lets the taste of the spring vegetables come through. I make this in April and May.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
6. Spiced Chickpea Couscous Salad
Warm couscous tossed with chickpeas, raisins, and slivered almonds that have been warmed with a little cumin and cinnamon. It’s a sweet and savory combination that’s very filling.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 7g
7. Tomato Basil Couscous Salad
Fresh summer tomatoes and chopped basil folded into warm couscous with a little garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This tastes best when tomatoes are at their ripest.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
8. Lemon Pepper Couscous with Spinach
Baby spinach is wilted into hot, cooked couscous along with a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of black pepper. It’s a warm salad that comes together in one pot.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
9. Moroccan Style Carrot Couscous
Grated carrots are lightly cooked with a pinch of cinnamon and mixed with couscous, currants, and chopped pistachios. It has a gentle, sweet spiciness that I really like.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
10. Italian Couscous Salad
Pearl couscous with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chopped fresh mozzarella, and basil. An Italian herb vinaigrette ties it together. It feels like a pasta salad but is lighter.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
11. Easy Corn and Black Bean Couscous
Whole wheat couscous mixed with corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro. A lime cumin vinaigrette adds a southwest touch. This is a protein-packed salad I eat as a full meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 9g
12. Mint and Pine Nut Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous with a big handful of chopped fresh mint and toasted pine nuts. The dressing is just lemon and olive oil. It’s incredibly simple but the mint makes it taste special.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
13. Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Couscous
Chopped roasted red peppers from a jar are mixed into couscous with crumbled feta and a little of the pepper brine for dressing. It’s one of the easiest and most flavorful combinations.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
14. Apple Walnut Couscous Salad
Pearl couscous with diced apple, toasted walnuts, and chopped celery. A light apple cider vinaigrette keeps it fresh. I enjoy this in the fall for a sweet and crunchy side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
15. Zesty Lime and Cilantro Couscous
Couscous flavored with lime zest and juice, then tossed with a large amount of fresh cilantro and some chopped green onion. It’s a very vibrant, herby side for tacos or grilled shrimp.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
16. Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
A take on tabbouleh that uses couscous instead of bulgur, mixed with a lot of parsley, tomato, cucumber, and mint. It’s a bit easier to make and just as refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
17. Beet and Goat Cheese Couscous Salad
Roasted beets and pearl couscous are combined with creamy goat cheese and a simple vinaigrette. The colors are beautiful and the earthy flavor of the beets is really nice.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
18. Summer Squash and Couscous Salad
Yellow squash and zucchini are diced small and sautéed until just tender, then mixed with couscous, lemon, and parmesan. It’s a good way to use up summer garden vegetables.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
19. Spicy Harissa Chickpea Couscous
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
