A healthy Turmeric Couscous Salad Recipe that takes just about 15 minutes to prepare. This is such a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution! Plus, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is rich in flavor!
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Like our Sausage and Rice Salad and our Curried Rice Sautee, it's great as a salad, a side dish, or a main dish.
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Reasons to love this salad
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of turmeric, fresh herbs like cilantro, and a variety of salad ingredients creates a burst of vibrant and well-balanced flavors.
- Nutrient-rich: The salad includes a variety of wholesome ingredients such as vegetables, olives, and herbs.
- Simple Preparation: The recipe is straightforward and is a convenient and quick option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: The salad can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a refreshing addition to a potluck or barbecue.
Ingredients
- Couscous: I like using Israeli (pearl) couscous in this salad. The pallets are a perfect size. They're not too small to get lost in the salad and not too large to overwhelm the salad. They just blend so well with other salad ingredients.
- Cherry Tomatoes: if cherry, or grape, tomatoes are not available, any tomato will do.
- Cilantro: adds freshness, aroma, and some Mediterranean flavor.
- Olives: Kalamata olives add a rich and briny flavor to the salad. This balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Seasonings: just a little bit of salt, ground black pepper, and, of course, turmeric. Turmeric not only adds that beautiful yellow color to the couscous but also adds a warm and earthy flavor along with nutritional benefits.
- Dressing Ingredients: for the dressing, you'll need some garlic, a little bit of mayo (you can use our Homemade Mayonnaise with Avocado Oil), lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
see the recipe card at the end of the post for the full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions and variations
- Couscous: Instead of pearl couscous you can use whole wheat or Morocan couscous. Quinoa, bulgur, or farro can be used as a substitute for couscous for different textures and flavors. Cauliflower rice or rice if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- Kalamata Olives: You can use green olives or a mix of olives for a variety of flavors. Capers can be used as a briny, non-olive alternative.
- Cilantro: you can also use parsley, dill, fresh mint, or basil for a change in herb flavor. Or, you can add arugula or spinach for more greens.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Chickpeas are also great as a vegetarian option.
Preparation
STEP 1: Cook the couscous
Cook the couscous in boiling water seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, and turmeric. Allow cooked couscous to cool.
STEP 2: Prepare fresh salad ingredients
While the couscous is cooking, dice the fresh vegetables and slice the pitted Kalamata olives. Transfer all vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
STEP 3: Make the dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl or a small mason jar and stir well.
STEP 4: Combine all ingredients
Add the cooled couscous to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and dress the salad with two tablespoons of the dressing. Stir well. Add more dressing to taste, if desired.
Top tips
- After cooking the couscous, fluff it with a fork to prevent clumping.
- Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If time allows, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Be careful when working with turmeric; it can stain surfaces and clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. But, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
While turmeric adds a unique flavor and color, you can omit it if you don't have it or prefer not to use it.
Serving suggestions
The salad is best served chilled, or at room temperature. It's great with some Oven Roasted Potato Cubes and Pan Seared Salmon with Vegetables, or Stir-Fried Chicken Thighs. Have it with a simple appetizer, like this Caprese Salad With Microgreens or our Pizza Rolls Appetizer.
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Recipe
Turmeric Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the salad you'll need:
- 1 cup dry couscous
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric seasoning
- 12 cherry tomatoes sliced in half, lengthwise
- 2 medium cucumbers diced
- ¼ red onion sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
For the dressing you'll need:
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ lemon juice of - optional
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch each salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the couscous in boiling water seasoned with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper and ½ teaspoon of turmeric. Because cooking times depend on the size of the couscous you have, follow the directions on the couscous package to cook 1 cup of dry couscous in the seasoned water. Allow cooked couscous to cool.
- While the couscous is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, lengthwise, dice the cucumbers ( I cut each cucumber into quarters lengthwise and then dice each quarter into small slices), thinly slice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and slice the pitted Kalamata olives. Transfer all vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- While the couscous is cooling, combine all dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl or a small mason jar and stir well.
- Add the cooled couscous to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and dress the salad with two tablespoons of the dressing. Stir well. Add more dressing to taste, if desired. Refrigerate the leftover dressing and use it within one week.
Notes
- After cooking the couscous, fluff it with a fork to prevent clumping.
- Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If time allows, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Be careful when working with turmeric; it can stain surfaces and clothing.
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