Easy Pesto Couscous Salad Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite go-to dish: a vibrant and refreshing Pesto Couscous Salad. This plant-based recipe is bursting with incredible flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, yet delivers a gourmet taste that everyone will love. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a delicious potluck contribution.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Couscous Salad

You will quickly fall in love with this delightful Pesto Couscous Salad for so many excellent reasons:

• Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip up this delicious salad in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Every bite offers a refreshing mix of crisp vegetables and aromatic pesto.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch and enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout the week.
• Versatile Side or Main Dish: Serve it alongside grilled proteins or enjoy it as a light, satisfying main course.
• Naturally Vegan and Healthy: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad supports a plant-based lifestyle. The MD Anderson Cancer Center highlights how a plant-based diet can significantly improve overall health and wellness.
• Crowd-Pleaser for Potlucks: Its vibrant colors and fresh taste make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your refreshing and flavorful Pesto Couscous Salad:

• 1 cup (165g) pearl couscous
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (about 15 ounces/160g)
• 2 mini cucumbers, finely chopped (about 160g)
• 1/3 (about 3 ounces/80g) red onion, finely chopped
• 1 (15.5 ounce/439g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed (86g)
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons vegan pesto (about 90g)
• Salt to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with your ingredients to suit your taste. Pearl couscous offers a chewy texture, but you can use finer grain couscous if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly. For more crunch, add chopped carrots, celery, or radishes to your couscous salad. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought pesto or whip up a homemade version for extra freshness. Black beans or chickpeas make great substitutes for cannellini beans, boosting the protein content. Always taste your salad and adjust salt and pepper generously to achieve the best flavor balance.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic salad:

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan with a lid for cooking couscous
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Pesto Couscous Salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect dish:

1. Prepare the couscous: Cook 1 cup of pearl couscous according to the package directions. Once the couscous is cooked and tender, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes, or longer if time permits. Spreading it on a plate helps it cool faster.
2. Prep the vegetables: While the couscous cools, finely chop the bell pepper, mini cucumbers, and red onion. Aim for small, uniform pieces for the best texture in your salad.
3. Prepare beans and peas: Drain and thoroughly rinse the cannellini beans under cold water. If using frozen peas, ensure they are completely thawed.
4. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pearl couscous, chopped bell pepper, mini cucumbers, red onion, drained cannellini beans, and thawed peas.
5. Add pesto and season: Spoon in the vegan pesto over the ingredients in the bowl. Season generously with salt to taste.
6. Toss thoroughly: Use a large spoon or spatula to toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated evenly with the pesto.
7. Serve or chill: Garnish your salad with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired. Serve the pesto couscous salad immediately for a fresh taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your couscous salad is easy with these tips. Do not overcook the couscous; it should be tender yet slightly al dente, not mushy. Understanding the ‘al dente’ concept, as explained by Rouxbe Online Culinary School, is crucial for perfect pasta and grain dishes. Cooling the couscous fully before mixing prevents the salad from becoming warm or clumpy. Always taste your Pesto Couscous Salad as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If your salad seems bland, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit more pesto will work wonders. Proper cooling prevents a mushy texture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile couscous dish shines in many ways. Serve it as a light and satisfying main course, a vibrant side dish, or an easy packed lunch. It’s fantastic for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings due to its refreshing nature. Store leftover Pesto Couscous Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For delicious variations, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, or artichoke hearts also introduce wonderful Mediterranean flavors. Experiment with different types of pesto, such as red pepper pesto or kale pesto, for a unique twist. For a non-vegan option, crumbled feta cheese adds a lovely salty tang.

Nutrition Information

This Pesto Couscous Salad offers a wholesome and nutritious meal choice. It’s naturally plant-based, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. The salad is rich in dietary fiber from the couscous, beans, and fresh vegetables, promoting digestive health. Cannellini beans contribute a good source of plant-based protein, making this a satisfying and balanced dish. Enjoy this flavorful salad as part of a healthy and vibrant diet.

Serving Size	Amount Per Serving
Calories	300
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	350mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	7g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	10g

FAQ

• Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
  Yes, you can use regular fine-grain couscous, but adjust the cooking time as it cooks much faster. Pearl couscous offers a chewier texture.
• Is this Pesto Couscous Salad gluten-free?
  No, traditional couscous is made from durum wheat, so this recipe is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free option, use quinoa or rice instead.
• How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
  You can store this delicious salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Its flavors tend to develop even more overnight.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead; preparing it a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• What other vegetables can I add to this couscous salad?
  Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, chopped zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

This Easy Pesto Couscous Salad offers a perfect blend of convenience, freshness, and incredible flavor. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy individuals, while its vibrant taste ensures it’s a hit with everyone. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful Pesto Couscous Salad!