Description
This Spring Pea Feta Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a bright, fresh, and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for spring and summer. With sweet peas, tangy feta, and fluffy pearl couscous all tossed in a vibrant homemade basil vinaigrette, it’s great as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 1½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Basil Vinaigrette:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the couscous and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse under cold water. If using frozen, simply thaw and drain.
- Make the Basil Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, combine basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the couscous, peas, crumbled feta, and optional pine nuts. Pour over the vinaigrette and mix gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil or feta. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added protein, mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas. To make it vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving if making ahead to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of dish)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg