A 12 minute, no cook, giant Couscous Salad with sun dried tomato, feta, rocket (arugula), herbs and the nutty tastiness of chickpeas. My shortcut-flavour tip is to use the oil from the sun dried tomato jar as the dressing – free flavour!
A really quick Couscous Salad
This is a 12 minute meal. It’s also a no cook meal. Which means no matter how hot, how tired and how hangry you are (no typo there), or even if you’ve been cooking non stop all day since 7 am, up to your elbows in batter and pasta sauces (🙋🏻♀️), you can still muster up the energy for a seriously tasty bowl of deliciousness that requires minimal effort.
Of course, this is perfect to serve as a side as well. This would be ideal served with Western meals but especially Middle Eastern dishes such as:
But because it’s got pops of quite intense flavour thanks to the sun dried tomato and feta, it’s certainly worthy of being a meal.
Sun Dried Tomato Dressing
Speaking of sun dried tomato – this is your secret weapon for this Couscous Salad. Be sure to get the strips (to save yourself slippery oily chopping, yep, been there, done that) and be absolutely sure to get sun dried tomato in oil, not the dry vac packed version, because all that oil is infused with tasty sun dried tomato flavour and that’s what I use to dress the salad.
There is something very satisfying about tipping the entire jar of sun dried tomatoes, oil and all, over the salad. Draining oil is messy business!
I add chickpeas for texture and also nuttiness which means I don’t feel the need to throw in a handful of nuts, though that certainly wouldn’t hurt.
You’ll also be surprised how much rocket (arugula) is in this. It looks like a vast volume until you hack away at it – I like to chop it very roughly so it tosses through better.
It also means you can eat this with a spoon. In a bowl. On the couch. Never having to take your eyes off the TV as you scoop up mouthful after mouthful, binge watching Real Housewives, The Kardashians, Project Runway or other such highly intellectual show.
Every time they happen to be on when I turn the TV on, it’s like a train wreck and I can’t look away. And I can feel my brain cells popping with every passing minute… 🤣 – Nagi x
MORE SUMMER SALADS to take to gatherings
Pearl Couscous Salad <– personal fave!
Wild Rice Salad <– reader fave!
Browse all Pasta Salads and Rice Salad
Couscous Salad
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Couscous Salad with Sun Dried Tomato and Feta
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups dried couscous (Note 1)
- 1 1/4 cups / 315 ml boiled water
- 1 tsp vegetable stock powder (or 1 cube crumbled) (Note 2)
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp coriander powder (or cumin – I interchange)
- 400 g / 14 oz chickpeas (1 can) , drained
- 1/2 cup coriander , finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley , finely chopped (or mint)
- 1 red onion , chopped
- 220 g / 7 oz jar sun dried tomato strips in OIL (Note 3)
- 120 g / 4 oz rocket / arugula lettuce , chopped into 5 cm / 2″ pieces
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice (2 large lemons)
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 60 g / 2 oz feta , crumbled
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Place chickpeas, couscous, vegetable stock powder, coriander and garlic in a large bowl. Pour over hot water, shake to level out couscous (chickpeas should mostly settle on top). Cover with plate or cling wrap, set aside for 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with fork. Cool a bit.
- Add coriander, parsley, onion, sun dried tomatoes (including all oil), rocket, lemon juice and black pepper. Sprinkle zest across surface. Toss well to combine.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with feta. Serve.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally posted January 2018. Post updated for housekeeping matters, no change to recipe.
LIFE OF DOZER
When I leave and when I come home:
Just my kind of main meal salad, Nagi! Quick, colourful and nutritious 🙂
I do in fact buy the dry vacpacs of sundried tomato strips (when they are on special) and keep them in a jar of EVOO in the fridge, sometimes with a garlic clove and/or peppercorns 🙂 So much cheaper IF you have the time to plan ahead 😉 Sundried tomatoes are so good in almost anything!!!
Thank you for yet another wonderful recipe, and hugs and pats for Dozer xx.
Carol in Auckland
It’s cheaper?? I don’t think it’s cheaper here, pretty sure it’s the same as getting it in oil! Curious now, will check 🙂
Interesting! I also like the fact that with the semi-dried I can use EV olive oil rather than the sunflower oil our jars seem to have. And also add them to dishes where the oil might not be needed 🙂
I used to buy the bigger packets of halved dried (leathery!) tomatoes and snip and marinate them, but can’t find them any more. They were really cheap!!
Hi Nagi,
Big fan of yours from lil New Zealand! Ever since moving out of home and discovering your website, 95% of all the meals I cook are ones from Recipe Tin Eats!! Never been disappointed by any of your meals. 😍
This salad looks absolutely delicious! Would it be OK to make and store in the fridge throughout the week for work and to have it cold?
Thanks!!!
Ohhhh I love hearing that Christine!! It’s terrific for make ahead – I have this cold / at room temp. It keeps for around 3 days dressed with no problems. If keeping beyond this, I’d keep the ingredients separate and just toss and dress before serving (see new Make Ahead notes added 🙂 ) N xx
Sweet Dozer! Awwww, looks like he misses you. I just love him!
Couscous is a favorite of mine and made into a salad is even better! I can’t wait to make this one.
It was a 30 minute grocery shop! He acts like I abandoned him all day!
I love your Dog God what a beautiful boy you have ,yes you too dear lady,, how is your Mom? you cook with soul ,all will agree all the recipes I look forward to seeing every week , go slow ,be well ,keep healthy and Dozer looks so sad in the window , I have most of his Pictures , I love all Animals I keep Animals and COOKING ,have your pins , pat lily gar
You wouldn’t think he was so beautiful if you could smell him. HE STINKS!
I am sure Dozers feet smells pop corn , brush his teeth with beef water and a little mint jam , a drop of perfume on the back of his neck and he’s good to go anywhere
Awwwwwww!!Dozer misses you. That is so sweet! And as far as your salad goes, I could eat the whole bowl!! I remember once we ate at a restaurant that had the most wonderful couscous salad. I loved it and even asked our waitress if she knew how it was made. She didn’t. Put it had a citrusy taste — I think lime and now I don’t remember all that was in it. Your salad does the same for me — wanting to hurry and make it. I like the touch of feta in it. This is definitely a must make!! Give Dozer a hug. 🤗
He’s such a drama queen. Acts like I abandoned him all day even if I just pop out for some groceries!!!
He’s male — you’ve heard of man-flu. Uh-huh!! they want us to feel guilty and cater to their every need. But they are so adorable, we do!!
BEAUTIFUL! I love that you mixed the couscous with greens, so it’s not as “grainy.” Great ingredients.
Thanks Mimi! N xx