• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Bites
    • Mains
    • Sides
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Pizza
    • Soups & Stews
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Drinks & Libations
    • Breads, Butters, and Jams
    • Sourdough
    • Sauces & Savory Condiments
    • tips & tricks
    • Harry Potter
    • Recipe Index
  • Adventures
  • Reads
  • Shop
    • Kitchen Tools
    • Pantry Staples
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy

Whip & Wander

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Newsletter
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Whip & Wander » Recipes » salads & dressings

    Published: Aug 16, 2021 · Modified: Jul 12, 2023 by Jenni · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Couscous Summer Salad

    This page may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    a large white serving dish filled with Couscous Summer Salad on an orange cloth
    three plates containing couscous salad on a green cloth lined wooden tabletop
    a brown plate and two neutral colored plates with Couscous Summer Salad resting on a green piece of cloth
    Couscous Summer Salad on a light colored plate on a green cloth
    a stoneware plate containing Couscous Summer Salad resting on a piece of gauzy green cloth on a wooden surface
    two wooden salad servers resting in a large white serving dish containing Couscous Summer Salad on an orange cloth
    Couscous Summer Salad in a large white bowl over a gauzy orange cloth on a wooden table
    a wooden serving utensil in a white bowl of Couscous Summer Salad
    yellow-tipped salad servers resting next to a white bowl containing Couscous Summer Salad

    This vibrant Couscous Summer Salad showcases the best of summer produce, combining tender pearl couscous, summer sweet nectarines, lightly charred sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy Persian cucumbers, and a sprinkle of fresh basil and mint. Salty feta cheese and bright lemon help round out this cool summer salad and give it depth. This sweet, salty, and savory side dish is the perfect pairing for all your warm-weather grilling and works beautifully as a satisfying main course for a light summer lunch. This quick and easy summer recipe can be made in less than 30-minutes!

    Couscous Summer Salad in a white servinf bowl resting on a yellow cloth with wooden salad servers resting next to the bowl

    Jump to:
    • What Ingredients Make a Delicious Couscous Summer Salad?
    • Tips for Making the Perfect Couscous Summer Salad
    • Perfect Pairings for Your Chilled Couscous Summer Salad
    • Storing this Chilled Couscous Salad
    • Essential tools for making this Couscous Summer Salad
    • Explore More Summer Side Dish Recipes
    • Couscous Summer Salad
    The ingredients needed to make Couscous Summer Salad resting on a green cloth

    What Ingredients Make a Delicious Couscous Summer Salad?

    • Couscous: I prefer using pearl couscous for its peppercorn-like size and satisfying bite. Tri-color pearl couscous (sometimes referred to as Israeli couscous) is my go-to choice. If you prefer, you can also use Moroccan couscous, which is smaller, or Lebanese couscous, which is larger and about the size of a pea.
    • Nectarines: These are best when enjoyed right at the peak of the season (in the US that's July - September) and can be swapped for their close cousin peaches if desired.
    • Sweet corn: I prefer my corn to have a bit of light char on it so I like to either use corn from cobs that have been grilled directly on the grill without their husks or use this great frozen option for roasted corn (defrosted). If you prefer traditional sweet corn (fresh or frozen), I've used that before as well and it works beautifully.
    • Tomatoes: I prefer to use cherry tomatoes that have been sliced in half for this dish, but you are also welcome to make good use of those large heirlooms in your garden and dice them instead.
    • Persian cucumbers: These small and thin-skinned cucumbers are perfect when sliced and added as-is. English cucumbers can be used as a substitute, as they also have a thin skin that doesn't require peeling.
    • Fresh herbs: In my summer garden, I always have fresh basil and mint on hand, which I include in this salad. If you're looking to switch it up, consider using fresh dill, chives, or oregano for a delightful twist.
    • Feta cheese: Opt for block-style feta, preferably stored in brine, for the best flavor and texture. I personally prefer to dice the feta, but you can also crumble it if desired.
    • Lemon: I use both the juice and the zest of lemon to help brighten and enhance the depth of flavors in this dish -- it also helps to keep the nectarines from browning, keeping your dish looking fresh too!
    • Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds tremendous flavor and ensures that the couscous remains easily scoopable and not sticky.
    • Salt & Pepper: This salad is well-balanced even without salt and pepper. However, a small crack of black pepper and a sprinkle of Kosher salt at the end, to taste, can further enhance the flavors if desired.
    Couscous Summer Salad in a large white serving bowl on an orange yellow cloth
    a wooden salad server resting in a bowl of Couscous Summer Salad

    Tips for Making the Perfect Couscous Summer Salad

    Create the ultimate fresh summer recipe by following these helpful tips to ensure your Couscous Summer Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors and textures:

    • Cook couscous al dente: To ensure a perfect texture, cook the couscous until it is al dente. This will give it a slight bite and prevent it from becoming mushy. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and keep an eye on the cooking time. For most pearl couscous, I find a cook time of 7-8 minutes is perfect.
    • Fluff the couscous: After cooking the couscous, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping. This will help the couscous absorb the flavors of the other ingredients more evenly.
    • Allow couscous to cool: Before combining the couscous with other ingredients, make sure it is completely cooled. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery or losing its texture.
    • Use fresh, ripe produce: Opt for the freshest and ripest fruits and vegetables to maximize the flavors in your Couscous Summer Salad. Choose nectarines or peaches that are juicy and fragrant, cherry tomatoes that are plump and vibrant, and Persian cucumbers that are firm and crisp. This chilled salad is ideal for highlighting summer produce at its peak.
    • Infuse with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs play a crucial role in adding a delicious balance to the salad. Incorporate classic choices like mint and basil for their aromatic and refreshing qualities. If you're looking for a delightful twist, experiment with fresh dill, chives, or oregano.
    • Adjust seasoning to taste: While the salad is well-balanced on its own, feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. I find that just a pinch of both is usually all that’s needed.
    • Experiment with additional ingredients: Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the salad. Consider incorporating other summer ingredients like diced avocados, grilled zucchini, or green olives for added flavor and texture.
    • Let the flavors meld: If possible, allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a little while before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
    a large white serving dish that contains Couscous Summer Salad resting on a light orange cloth
    a couscous salad with nectarines, cucumber, tomato, and feta in a large white bowl with wooden salad servers in the bowl

    Perfect Pairings for Your Chilled Couscous Summer Salad

    This versatile Couscous Summer Salad is a refreshing and adaptable dish that serves as a great light summer lunch and also perfectly complements a wide range of grilled delights for a hearty dinner. It's an excellent way to elevate your meals, whether you're grilling chicken breasts, steak, fish, or serving it as a side for burgers. For a delightful combination, consider serving this salad alongside these mouthwatering recipes:

    • Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
    • Crab Club Sandwich
    • Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
    • Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
    • Pressure Cooker Boneless Beef Ribs
    • Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
    • Grilled Chicken Wings with Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce
    • French Tuna Sandwich (Pan Bagnat)
    • Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
    • Sole Meunière
    • Crispy Oven-Fried Fish
    three plates with Couscous Summer Salad resting on a green cloth on a wooden table
    plates containing Couscous Summer Salad on a green cloth

    Storing this Chilled Couscous Salad

    Refrigerate any leftover Couscous Summer Salad in an airtight container to maintain its flavors and texture for 2-3 days. For an extra chilled serving, refrigerate the salad before enjoying.

    Essential tools for making this Couscous Summer Salad

    • A medium saucepan with a lid
    • A cutting board
    • A chef's knife
    • A large bowl
    • A kitchen scale -- OR -- measuring cups (for less precise measurements)
    • Measuring spoons
    • A citrus juicer
    • A citrus zester
    • Two wooden serving spoons or salad serving utensils

    Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry?

    Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

    a pale colored plate with Couscous Summer Salad on a green gauzy cloth
    a green cloth on a wooden table with three plates containing Couscous Summer Salad

    Explore More Summer Side Dish Recipes

    Love this Couscous Summer Salad? Expand your summer recipe repertoire with these delicious and healthy side dish options that are perfect for easy summer meals and entertaining:

    • Strawberry Peach Summer Salad with Basil Walnut Pesto
    • Chili Lime Watermelon with Labneh and Honey
    • Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing
    • Crunchy Greek Salad with Avocado and Feta
    • Creamy Dijon Dill Potato Salad
    • Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
    • Spicy Cabbage Slaw
    • Horseradish Dill Slaw
    • Wedge Salad with Horseradish Blue Cheese Dressing
    • Caesar Salad with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Jammy Eggs, and Avocado
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Couscous Summer Salad in a white servinf bowl resting on a yellow cloth with wooden salad servers resting next to the bowl

    Couscous Summer Salad

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 review
    • Author: Whip & Wander
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 14 minutes
    • Total Time: 24 minutes
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x
    • Category: Sides, Salads & Dressings
    • Method: Stovetop, Chilled
    • Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This vibrant Couscous Summer Salad showcases the best of summer produce, combining tender pearl couscous, summer sweet nectarines, lightly charred sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy Persian cucumbers, and a sprinkle of fresh basil and mint. Salty feta cheese and bright lemon help round out this cool summer salad and give it depth. This sweet, salty, and savory side dish is the perfect pairing for all your warm-weather grilling and works beautifully as a satisfying main course for a light summer lunch. This quick and easy summer recipe can be made in less than 30-minutes!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 165 g (about 1 cup) dry pearl couscous
    • 12 oz (about 1 ½ cups) water
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 medium nectarines (about 256 g), pitted and diced (peaches can be substituted)
    • 215 g (about 1 ½ cups) frozen fire-roasted corn or sweet corn, defrosted - OR - about 2 large ears of corn, grilled and cut from cob
    • 252 g (about 1 ⅓ cups) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
    • 229 g (about 1 ½ cups or 3 small) Persian cucumbers, sliced
    • 8 oz block feta cheese, discarded of brine and diced into ½ inch cubes
    • 13 g (about ¼ cup packed) fresh basil, chiffonade or torn
    • 8 g (about 2 tbsp packed) fresh mint, chopped or torn
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • zest of 1 lemon
    • Cracked black pepper, to taste
    • Kosher salt, to taste

    Instructions

    1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the couscous, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 7-8 minutes or until the water is absorbed, and the couscous is al dente. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping, then set aside to cool.
    2. Once the couscous has cooled, add the olive oil and gently toss to combine.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the couscous, diced nectarines, corn, cherry tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, feta cheese, basil, mint, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss gently to combine.
    4. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as desired. I recommend starting with a small pinch of each, as the salad is well-balanced on its own.
    5. Serve immediately or refrigerate prior to serving for an extra chilled option. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator.

     


    Notes

    Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ⅛th of recipe
    • Calories: 213
    • Sugar: 7 g
    • Sodium: 372 mg
    • Fat: 8 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
    • Carbohydrates: 27 g
    • Fiber: 3 g
    • Protein: 14 g
    • Cholesterol: 15 g

    Keywords: couscous, feta cheese, persian cucumber, nectarines, summer, salad, mint, basil, tomatoes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @whipandwander on Instagram and hashtag it #whipandwander

    Related

    « Crunchy Greek Salad with Avocado and Feta
    Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica says

      July 16, 2023 at 4:38 pm

      This salad was a big hit on a hot night when I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen. The flavors go so well together! It’s light and refreshing but hearty enough to really round out a meal. I paired this with crab cakes and everyone went back for seconds of this salad. I’ll definitely be keeping this in my rotation. Thanks, Jenni for such a delicious recipe!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Jenni says

        July 17, 2023 at 1:01 pm

        Jessica, I'm so glad you enjoyed this summer salad. It's one of my favorite things to make during the heat of summer!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Pleased to meet you, I’m Jenni!

    Welcome to my little slice of the web where I share recipes for food, travel, books, and life!

    More about me →

    Exciting Summer Recipes

    • closeup of burger buns on a tray some with sesame seeds and some without
      No-Knead Classic Burger Buns
    • a large white platter with Peach, Prosciutto, and Burrata Salad on top surrounded by sliced baguette
      Peach, Prosciutto, and Burrata Salad
    • a large white bowl with Southwest Pasta Salad resting on a gauzy green cloth with wooden salad servers
      Southwest Pasta Salad
    • Chili Lime Watermelon with Labneh and Honey on a large white platter on a green cloth lined wooden table
      Chili Lime Watermelon with Labneh and Honey

    Easy Summer Grilling Recipes

    • Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing in a large white serving bowl on a rust colored cloth with a bowl of tortilla chips and wooden salad servers resting nearby
      Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing
    • a Mediterranean Turkey Burger topped with tomato and red onion on a bed on dill slaw with a brioche bun resting on a plate
      Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
    • Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce on a parchment lined cutting board with a gold spoonful of sauce
      Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
    • Grilled Skirt Steak slices with avocado chimichurri sauce on top on a wooden cutting boar with a spoonful of sauce and a knife resting nearby
      Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce

    Vibrant Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy

    • BBQ Chicken Salad in a large white bowl with a jar of buttermilk jalapeno ranch dressing on the side
      BBQ Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Jalapeno Ranch
    • Tuna Salad Nicoise on a large white platter sitting on a wooden surface with salaf serving utensils resting to the right of the platter
      Tuna Nicoise Salad (Salade Niçoise)
    • Couscous Summer Salad in a white servinf bowl resting on a yellow cloth with wooden salad servers resting next to the bowl
      Couscous Summer Salad
    • strawberry peach salad on a white platter resting on a white towel
      Strawberry Peach Summer Salad with Basil Walnut Pesto

    Popular Recipes

    • a white bowl with instant pot artichokes and lemon wedges in a copper dish
      Pressure Cooker Artichokes
    • a wooden spoon resting in a skillet full of Pasta with Olive Tapenade on a dark teal cloth
      Pasta with Olive Tapenade
    • bbq sauce dripping from a spoon into a glass jar
      Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
    • a hand pulling a square of cheesy pizza from its tray
      Easy Same-Day Pizza Dough

    New on the blog!

    • A big white bowl filled Curried Chicken Salad on an orange cloth with salad servers
      Curried Chicken Salad
    • a large white bowl filled with Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad and wooden salad tongs nearby
      Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad
    • Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs on a large oval white platter on an orange cloth
      Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
    • a gold spoon resting on a pink platter with Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt. crusty bread laying nearby on a wood surface.
      Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes

    • Appetizers
    • Mains
    • Sides
    • Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Pizza
    • Harry Potter
    • Sourdough

    Whip & Wander

    Copyright © 2022 Whip & Wander. All Rights Reserved.

    Privacy Policy / Disclosures

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    More to consume

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Shop Tools
    • Shop Pantry
    163 shares
    • 36
    163 shares
    • 36