Mediterranean Pearl Couscous (Printable format)

Light and refreshing grain dish packed with Mediterranean vegetables, olives, and feta in a tangy oregano dressing.

# What You 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 olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring vegetable broth to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in pearl couscous and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.
02 - Remove from heat and spread couscous on baking sheet. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
03 - While couscous cools, combine diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese in large mixing bowl.
04 - In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
05 - Add cooled couscous to vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over ingredients and toss gently to combine. Fold in chopped parsley.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The couscous stays wonderfully chewy and never turns mushy, even after a day in the fridge.
  • Every ingredient brings a contrasting texture or burst of flavor without needing fancy techniques.
  • It works just as well for a quick weekday lunch as it does for a potluck spread.
  • You can swap or add ingredients based on what you have without losing the Mediterranean soul of the dish.
02 -
  • Spreading the couscous on a baking sheet to cool is non-negotiable, because leaving it in the pot makes it sticky and clumpy.
  • Add the parsley at the very end to keep it vibrant and fresh, not sad and wilted.
  • If the salad tastes flat after chilling, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of salt will wake it right up.
03 -
  • Toast the dry pearl couscous in the saucepan with a little olive oil before adding the broth for an even nuttier, richer flavor.
  • Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a more colorful presentation that tastes just as sweet.
  • If you're serving this at a party, set out extra feta, olives, and lemon wedges so guests can customize their portions.
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