Mediterranean Couscous Salad in a Jar
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
Elevate your picnic experience with a colorful and convenient Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad, layered in a jar for easy transportation and vibrant presentation.
Picnics just got more exciting with this on-the-go delight. Packed with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this salad features fluffy couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. The layers ensure each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 300
1 cup cooked couscous, cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Step 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Step 2
In two wide-mouthed mason jars, start layering the salad. Begin with a couple of tablespoons of dressing at the bottom of each jar.
Step 3
Add a layer of cooked couscous to each jar, followed by layers of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 4
Drizzle a little more dressing over each layer as you go.
Step 5
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the layers for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 6
Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 7
When you're ready to enjoy your picnic, give the jar a gentle shake to mix the layers and distribute the dressing evenly.
Step 8
Serve the Mediterranean couscous salad straight from the jar or transfer to a plate or bowl.
Make it your own!
Swap out couscous for quinoa or another grain of your choice.
Add a protein boost by including grilled chicken, chickpeas, or marinated tofu.
Customize the vegetables with your favorites, such as bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach.
Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or shredded Parmesan.
Enhance the flavors with a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds.
