If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side that bursts with summer flavor, the Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad needs a place on your table! This Mediterranean-inspired dish weaves together juicy cherry tomatoes, chewy pearl couscous, creamy feta, and fresh herbs into one harmonious bowl. Each bite offers pops of tanginess and a lively texture that makes this salad incredibly addictive. It’s quick to assemble, perfect for advance prep, and versatile enough to serve with almost any meal. Whether you’re planning a picnic, lunchbox, or a backyard gathering, the Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad is sure to bring fresh, sunshiny energy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad lies in its short and sweet ingredient list, each one chosen for its role in bringing color, flavor, or texture to the dish. It’s a wonderful demonstration that simple, quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
- Pearl couscous (Israeli couscous): These large, chewy pearls are the perfect canvas to soak up the salad’s flavors while adding a hearty, satisfying bite.
- Olive oil: Used both to toast the couscous and to whisk into the zingy dressing; opt for a good extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Water or vegetable broth: Cooking couscous in broth adds extra depth, but water keeps things light and simple if you prefer.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and a bright pop of color — the star of our Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet tomatoes and brings a little rich decadence.
- Fresh parsley: Delivers a fresh, clean flavor and turns the salad gorgeously green.
- Fresh basil: Brings the flavors of summer and a slightly sweet, aromatic punch.
- Red onion: Diced finely to give just a hint of sharpness and subtle crunch.
- Lemon juice: Brings zip and brightness to the salad, tying all the flavors together in the dressing.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and accentuating all the other flavors in the bowl.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
Step 1: Toast the Couscous
Begin by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add your pearl couscous and toast it, stirring often, for about 2–3 minutes. The couscous should turn lightly golden and smell pleasantly nutty. Toasting enhances its flavor and gives it subtle depth — a simple trick that truly elevates this Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad.
Step 2: Cook the Couscous
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, give it a gentle stir, and crank up the heat. Once you’ve reached a boil, cover the pan, lower the heat, and let the couscous simmer for 10 minutes. By the time the liquid disappears, those pearls will be plump and tender. Once done, fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool a bit — this helps prevent sogginess and keeps the salad beautifully textured.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs
While the couscous cools, halve your cherry tomatoes, crumble the feta, and chop the parsley, basil, and red onion. This is the fun, colorful prep that brings the Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad to life! Use the freshest herbs you can find for maximum flavor and fragrance — they really do make a difference.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, parsley, basil, and red onion. Each addition layers in flavor and texture, turning this into a bowl full of lively colors and inviting aromas. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly without breaking up the couscous or feta too much.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This bright, simple dressing is what ties every ingredient together, giving the salad its zing and making those fresh flavors pop.
Step 6: Dress and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated and mingling. For the best flavor, let your Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the taste magic happen — all the flavors meld and deepen, making the salad even more irresistible.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
Garnishes
To give your salad that little something extra, top it with an extra crumble of feta, a handful of torn basil, or a grind of black pepper just before serving. A drizzle of the best olive oil you have also adds a gorgeous glisten and rich aroma. Garnishes are more than just decoration here — they layer on even more flavor and freshness for a truly standout Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is an absolute all-rounder! Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or lamb skewers for a Mediterranean feast, or keep things vegetarian with grilled veggies or chickpea patties. It also shines as part of a mezze spread alongside hummus, pita, and olives. Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad fits in just as happily at a picnic as it does at a dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun with presentation, try spooning the salad into lettuce cups for breezy hand-held bites, pile it over a bed of greens, or tuck it inside pita pockets with sliced avocado or rotisserie chicken. For portable lunches, divide it into individual jars — it not only looks lovely, but makes serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Good news: Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad holds up like a champ! Cover any leftovers tightly and store in the fridge — it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors continue to develop and get even better by day two, making it a meal prep favorite.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze couscous, the tomatoes and herbs will lose their texture and brightness when thawed. For best quality, stick to refrigerating this salad. If you want to make parts of it ahead, prep and freeze cooked couscous, then assemble with fresh ingredients when ready to eat.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, letting all the crisp, fresh flavors shine. If you prefer it slightly warm, just let it sit out of the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the feta and wilt the herbs.
FAQs
Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
You can, but pearl couscous offers a chewier, more substantial bite that really stands out in the Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad. If you use regular couscous, reduce the cooking time and fluff it well to avoid clumps.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe loves extras! Try stirring in chopped cucumber, diced bell peppers, chickpeas, or even sliced avocado for more color and nutrition. Feel free to customize to your taste or to make it heartier for a main course.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Pearl couscous is made from wheat, so it’s not naturally gluten-free. However, you can swap in cooked quinoa or a gluten-free grain to make this salad safe for those with gluten sensitivities — it’s still delicious and full of flavor.
Can I make Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead lets all the flavors really mingle and intensify. Just give it a quick toss before serving and refresh with a hint more lemon juice or olive oil, if needed.
What’s the best way to keep the herbs fresh in the salad?
Chop your herbs just before mixing them in and add them right before serving, if you can. This helps preserve their color and vibrant flavor. If prepping ahead, keep the chopped herbs separate and stir them in at the last moment for that just-picked freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as joyful to eat as it is easy to make, Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad absolutely fits the bill. With its colorful medley of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a picnic staple, weekday lunch hero, or show-stealing side. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal. The combination of pearl couscous, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and fresh herbs creates a Mediterranean-inspired salad that is both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Pearl Couscous:
1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Water or Vegetable Broth:
1 1/4 cups
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 pint, halved
Feta Cheese:
1/2 cup, crumbled
Fresh Parsley:
1/4 cup, chopped
Fresh Basil:
2 tablespoons, chopped
Red Onion:
2 tablespoons, finely diced
Lemon Juice:
2 tablespoons
Olive Oil (for dressing):
1 tablespoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Toasting Couscous: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the couscous and toast for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cooking Couscous: Add water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Preparing Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, feta, parsley, basil, and red onion.
- Making Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combining: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- You can add chickpeas, cucumber, or avocado for more texture and protein.
- This salad holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for make-ahead lunches or potlucks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
