Mediterranean Pearl Couscous (Print Version)

Light and refreshing couscous with vegetables, olives, and feta in oregano dressing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grain

01 - 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

→ Additions

07 - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
08 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in pearl couscous.
02 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is fully absorbed and couscous reaches tender consistency.
03 - Remove from heat and spread couscous evenly on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.
04 - While couscous cools, combine diced red bell pepper, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
06 - Add cooled couscous to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over ingredients and toss gently to combine all components evenly.
07 - Fold in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Each bite offers a delightful textural journey from the tender pop of couscous to the cool crunch of cucumber and the briny surprise of olives.
  • The components can be prepped ahead of time, making this my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining when friends drop by unexpectedly.
02 -
  • Cooling the couscous properly is non-negotiable after my first attempt where I rushed and ended up with a clumpy mess that stuck together in disappointing chunks.
  • The flavors develop remarkably after about 30 minutes of mingling, transforming from very good to exceptional with just a little patience.
03 -
  • Gently warming a lemon before squeezing yields significantly more juice, a trick my grandmother taught me that works beautifully if you want to add a final squeeze of brightness before serving.
  • Reserve a small portion of feta and fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving for both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.
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