Summer Pearl Couscous Salad is a fresh, flavourful dish that highlights the best of the season’s ingredients. Featuring tender pearl couscous—also known as Israeli couscous—it’s tossed with a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant cilantro. Hearty black beans and crumbled feta add a satisfying boost of protein, while a tangy balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together with a bright, zesty finish. Perfect for make-ahead meals, picnics, or casual gatherings, this versatile salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Light, nourishing, and easy to adapt, it’s the ultimate summer side—or main—in a bowl.
What is Pearl Couscous?
Pearl couscous, also called Israeli couscous, is a fun, bite-sized pasta made from wheat flour. Despite the name, it’s not exactly like regular couscous—it’s a bit bigger and rounder, kind of like tiny pearls (hence the name!).
Why use pearl couscous in a salad?
- Perfect Texture
Pearl couscous has a slightly chewy, pasta-like texture that holds up beautifully in salads. It doesn’t get mushy, even after sitting for a while or being refrigerated. - Great for Absorbing Flavors
Its mild, slightly nutty taste acts like a blank canvas—it soaks up dressings, herbs, and seasonings really well, making your salad extra flavourful. - Hearty and Satisfying
It’s more filling than traditional couscous or leafy greens, so your salad feels like a complete meal—especially when you add protein or roasted veggies. - Looks Beautiful
The little round pearls give the salad a unique, modern look and fun bite. It pairs well with colourful ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, or feta. - Versatile
Pearl couscous works with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or even Asian-style flavors. You can serve it warm, room temp, or cold—super flexible.
How to Make this Fresh & Flavourful Couscous Salad:
The Ingredients:
- Pearl couscous
- Water
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Black beans
- Crumbled feta
- Green onion
- Cilantro
Balsamic Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Garlic
- Whole grain mustard
- S&P
Directions:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of couscous. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
While the couscous cooks, make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to a small jar and shaking well until blended.
Once the couscous is done, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans, green onions, cilantro, and feta. Add the cooled couscous to the bowl, then pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine, and enjoy!
Pearl Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- ⅓-½ cup cilantro, washed and chopped
Balsamic Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tsp whole grain mustard
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of couscous.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- While the couscous cooks, make the dressing by adding all the dressing ingredients to a small jar and shaking well until blended.
- Once the couscous is done, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans, green onions, cilantro, and feta.
- Add the cooled couscous to the bowl, then pour the dressing over everything.
- Toss gently to combine, and enjoy!
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