**Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables Recipe**
If you seek a nutritious, tasty, and simple dish that embodies the spirit of Mediterranean fare, your search ends here with a Mediterranean Couscous Salad featuring Grilled Vegetables. This lively and colorful salad is filled with charred vegetables, airy couscous, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing. It’s ideal for a light lunch, a companion to grilled meats, or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
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### Reasons to Adore This Salad
– **Wholesome and Well-rounded**: Brimming with fiber-rich veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.
– **Fast and Simple**: Complete in just under 30 minutes.
– **Adaptable**: Enjoy warm or chilled, and personalize with your preferred veggies or proteins.
– **Awesome for Meal Prep**: Keeps nicely in the refrigerator for several days.
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### Ingredients
#### For the Salad:
– 1 cup couscous
– 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
– 1 red bell pepper, split and seeded
– 1 yellow bell pepper, split and seeded
– 1 small red onion, cut into thick rings
– 1 small eggplant, cut into rounds
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Dressing:
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
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### Directions
#### 1. Prepare the Couscous
In a heatproof bowl, mix couscous with boiling water or broth. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
#### 2. Grill the Vegetables
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and eggplant with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Grill for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
#### 3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
#### 4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine couscous, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.
#### 5. Serve
Serve right away, or chill for 1–2 hours to let the flavors develop. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
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### Suggestions and Variations
– **Incorporate Protein**: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
– **Opt for Whole Grains**: Replace couscous with quinoa, bulgur, or farro for extra nutrition.
– **Make it Vegan**: Leave out the feta cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
– **Include Fresh Herbs**: Mint, parsley, or dill can enhance the Mediterranean flair.
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### Nutritional Advantages
This salad is a nutrient-rich option:
– **Couscous** offers complex carbohydrates and a bit of protein.
– **Grilled vegetables** are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
– **Olive oil** provides heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
– **Lemon juice and herbs** contribute flavor without extra calories or sodium.
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### Closing Thoughts
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your dining table. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or in search of a healthy weekday meal, this salad is sure to delight. Give it a try once, and it may just become a favorite in your kitchen!
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**Savor your Mediterranean culinary journey!**