This vibrant Israeli Couscous Salad is the kind of healthy, happy, easy lunch that you’ll spend your whole morning looking forward to eating.
Not only is it delicious, but this Israeli couscous salad with feta cheese, fresh mint, and smoked paprika-lemon dressing is also an easy meal to make.
It’s simple, nutritious, and perfect for a light meal or summer-vibes side dish. (Pair with Salmon Cakes for an extra boost of protein.)
This couscous salad blends fresh ingredients and bright flavors, backed by a subtly smoky dressing and nutty whole grains.
5 Star Review
“This is my all-time favorite salad/side dish recipe! I make this once a week without fail, and I get compliments every time I serve it! Super quick and so fresh.”
— Kanya —
What is Israeli Couscous?
If you are not familiar, Israeli couscous (also known as pearl couscous) is actually a small, lightly toasted pasta.
It’s quick-cooking and makes a refreshing change of pace in cold pasta salads like this one.
Israeli couscous is healthy, and the pearls nestle into every forkful. It’s not overly chewy and allows the other ingredients to shine.
Israeli Couscous vs. Regular Couscous
What is the difference between Israeli couscous and regular couscous?
- Israeli couscous is larger in size than regular couscous.
- Israeli couscous is prepared by boiling, and regular couscous can be boiled or steamed.
- Israeli couscous nutrition differs slightly from that of regular couscous.
- Whole wheat Israeli couscous contains about 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving, and regular couscous has about 2 grams of fiber.
How to Cook Israeli Couscous Salad
Although you could add just about any mix of vegetables to a pearl couscous salad and have it turn out nicely, I am especially fond of the Mediterranean-inspired blend that we have happening in today’s recipe.
The Ingredients
- Israeli Couscous. The delicious grain for our salad! I used whole wheat couscous (which I also used in this Avocado Couscous Grapefruit Salad) in this recipe. Because whole grains are higher in fiber and protein than their white counterparts (and thus more nutritious and satisfying), I prefer to use them in my cooking when possible.
- Lemon Zest + Juice. Adds brightness and acidity.
- Dijon Mustard. A zippy and tangy addition to the dressing.
- Smoked Paprika. I love the light smokiness that paprika adds to the recipe.
- Arugula. Gives the salad backbone and bite. Plus, it’s packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins.
- Cucumber + Cherry Tomatoes. Both cucumber and cherry tomatoes bring delightful freshness and color to the salad.
- Feta Cheese + Mint. What truly makes the Israeli couscous salad beam. Promise me you will not skip these two. The feta is creamy and satisfying, and the fresh mint makes the salad taste alive.
Serving Tip!
If you’d prefer this as a hot Israeli couscous recipe, you could serve it warm instead (or give my Moroccan Couscous recipe a try).
The Directions
- Cook the couscous (it takes about 20 minutes to cook Israeli couscous). Fluff and set aside. You do not need to rinse Israeli couscous after cooking.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients, then toss the mixture with the couscous. Refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. DIG IN!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Store leftover Israeli couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze. While I do not recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy, you can freeze cooked couscous in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Meal Plan Tip
Cook the couscous up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate it in an airtight storage container.
Leftover Ideas
For extra-filling leftovers, try Israeli couscous salad with chickpeas or good-quality canned tuna. The lemony paprika dressing in this salad is a fantastic pairing with the fish.
What to Serve with Israeli Couscous
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Saucepan. Perfect for making this traditional Israeli couscous recipe.
- Mixing Bowls. This set will help you prepare any recipe.
- Citrus Juicer. My favorite (and most-used) kitchen gadget.
The Best Saucepan
A high-quality, durable saucepan like this one is a must-have in every kitchen. You’ll use it on repeat!
Israeli Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous
- 1 lemon zested
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 medium English seedless cucumber sliced and quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves chopped
Instructions
- Bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium (2-quart) saucepan. Add the couscous, return to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired. While the couscous is still warm, add it to the bowl and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow the couscous to cool.
- When ready to serve, add the remaining ingredients: arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. Toss to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- TO STORE: Store leftover Israeli couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition
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So yum and fresh! Great with poached chicken too!
I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit, Sandie! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!
Really tasty i bumped it up by adding garlic paste to dressing and some basil i had along with the mint but the instructions for cooking the couscous left approx 1/3 of it stuck to the pan i think it should be cooked in more water and drain. I also added some garbonzo beans for more protien punch.
Thank you for sharing this kind review, Kelli! I’m happy that you enjoyed the flavors!
We loved the recipe. Will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Elaine! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Delicious and easy. I made as a side to salmon, and it was delicious. Like Kelli, though, I lost a lot of the couscous to the bottom of the pan. Next time I will cook in more water and drain, if necessary.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Eileen! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Thank you for the recipe! Going home to make it tonight. My local grocery store sometimes has this in the deli and I’M OBSESSED! However, they haven’t had it the past few weeks so thank you for helping me get my fix. I love the texture of the couscous.
I hope you love the recipe, Valerie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
So easy to make, and everyone loved it.
YAY, so glad to hear it Sue! Thanks for taking time to share your feedback. It’s much appreciated!
I never take the time to leave comments on things but this is SO FREAKING GOOD. It’s the first of your recipes I’ve tried, and I ate close to two servings at each meal ?. If I LOVE this, what else should I try that has a similar light, happy, summary vibe?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Maryam! Thank you for sharing this kind review! I recommend checking out all my Summer recipes for more delicious ideas.
Amazing! This is my go to dish when I have people over and when I go to people’s houses! It’s amazing. I put less salt in though, 1 teaspoon (for me) is too much, I only put 1/2 tsp in.
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed the recipe, Dani! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I found this recipe about four years ago when I was looking for a recipe with pearl couscous. It was my first ever Well Plated recipe, and I’ve made many others since. I love this salad and make it regularly through the summer. The dressing is so good as is the combination of all the other flavours. I like adding chickpeas. Also, I often reserve some of the dressing to add to leftovers as the couscous tends to dry out in the fridge.
So happy to hear it, thank you!
This recipe is a keeper. Easy, wonderful, fresh, and tasty. The key here is to use the freshest ingredients you can buy. I thought the mint would overpower the dish and left it out. I put the slightly warmed couscous w/ ingredients over the arugula. The leaves absorbed some of the flavor adding an extra nice touch.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I just made this and ate my first serving. It is good! I used a turmeric pearl couscous because someone left that at my house a couple years (!) ago and I never knew what to do with it–it seems to work well in this recipe. And I used a spicy mustard that I made while back instead of Dijon, which I don’t have. Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds so tasty Rae! Thank you so much for your kind review!
This was amazing. I couldn’t find the whole wheat couscous, so I used standard Israeli couscous and cooked it according to the package directions (It called for 2-1/4 cups of water for 2 cups of couscous and took about 8 minutes to fully cook). I loved the step adding the dressing to the warm couscous. It absorbed beautifully and didn’t leave a soupy mess in the bottom of the bowl. This will be a go-to for sure.
Hi Embee! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for your feedback and review!
I never leave reviews. I usually just come here to see what other people say, but had to leave one!
Since finding this recipe we have made it at least once a week! Plus, have made it to take to take to a 4th of July get-together, and have taken it to share with colleagues. It’s SO delicious.
Hi Kristin! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
I want to make the cous cous the day before i serve it. Should I add the dressing before refrigerating it, or can I add the dressing and other ingredients the day I serve it? Wondering if adding the dressing while cous cous is warm will result in nicer flavour? Also are the measurements accurate for the cous cous and water ratio? I don’t want it to stick to pot…thanks!!
Hi Simone! Most of these question I did cover in the blog post. You can cook the couscous one day in advance and then add the dressing later. You can add the dressing immediately and serve warm. Or you can serve this cold, which is what I did for this salad. My measurements are accurate and I test my recipes multiple times before you see them here. Hope this helps!
Made this the other day and gave some to my daughter. She immediately asked for the recipe.
Hi Jeremy! This makes me so HAPPY! So glad you enjoyed the salad! Thank you for this kind review!
fantastic! fresh and light! a perfect summer/fall side dish!!
Hi Bob! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Love this so much. I make it all the time and my picky kids actually eat this minus the tomatoes. I’m so happy that we can all eat this.
Hi! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Absolutely awful dressing. Too much dijon, too much lemon. Leave out the paprika as it turns the couscous and feta a weird orange color. I didn’t have fresh mint but I doubt that would have made a vast improvement. I used dried oregano and basil and cut the salt in half to account for the saltiness in the feta. It was so awful I went back and read the recipe because I thought that I had made a mistake. Would I make this again? Yes I would, but just make a lemon, olive oil dressing with a smaller amount of mustard and add a small clove of garlic (or to your liking). I salvaged this by adding more olive oil to kill off the weird bitter taste (no it wasn’t the zest, I know how to zest a lemon). Served it the next day on lettuce since I had so much of it in the fridge and I didn’t want to buy arugula.
I’m sorry to hear this wasn’t what you hoped for, Liz. Many other readers have tried it and loved it, but I know everyone has different tastes. I truly wish you would have loved it!
To be honest, I didn’t realize how strong smoked paprika would be and I could barely eat the salad. So sad, considering I doubled the recipe based on how good the reviews were.
Hi RK, I’m sorry to hear that. I truly wish it would’ve been a hit for you!