Salmon Couscous Salad: Healthy & Quick Meal
Couscous salad is a delightful and nutritious dish featuring fluffy couscous combined with flaky salmon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This Salmon Couscous Salad is not only quick to prepare but also loaded with protein, making it a fantastic meal for lunch or dinner that can keep you satisfied without weighing you down.
Why you’ll love it
This Salmon Couscous Salad is perfect for those who want to enjoy a healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just a few steps and is ideal for busy days.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and vitamins from the fresh veggies, this salad is both wholesome and satisfying.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: It can be made in advance and stored for easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Salmon Couscous Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint), chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to mix things up or if you have certain dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions and variations you can consider:
- Couscous: Substitute couscous with quinoa or bulgur for a gluten-free option.
- Salmon: Use other cooked fish like tuna or even grilled chicken for a different taste.
- Vegetables: Add in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocados for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese: Replace feta with goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the couscous
In a pot, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of couscous to the boiling water, then remove it from heat. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Once done, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 2: Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, 1 cup of flaked salmon, 1 diced cucumber, chopped fresh herbs (your choice of parsley, dill, or mint), and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Step 3: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure it is well-coated.
Step 5: Serve
You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for better flavor, especially if you’re preparing it in advance.
Success tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the dressing to add rich flavor.
- Ensure your salmon is flaked into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Common mistakes include overcooking the couscous or using too much dressing; start with less and add more as needed.
How to serve
Salmon Couscous Salad is delicious on its own or can be served alongside grilled vegetables or crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a light soup.
Storage & reheating
If you have leftovers, store the Salmon Couscous Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. While it’s best served cold, you can briefly reheat it in the microwave if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes, canned salmon works great in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well before adding.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for easy lunches.
3. Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the couscous and vegetables may change when defrosted.
4. What other herbs can I use?
You can use basil, cilantro, or chives for added flavor.
5. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Couscous is made from wheat, so for a gluten-free option, use quinoa or brown rice instead.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Couscous offers a good source of carbohydrates and protein, especially when paired with salmon, which is rich in healthy fats. This salad is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a wholesome dish.
Conclusion
This Salmon Couscous Salad is a quick and healthy option for any meal. With its combination of protein, fresh veggies, and zesty flavors, it is sure to become a favorite. Try making it today for a nutritious meal that is both easy and satisfying.
If you loved this recipe, check out these related recipes:
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Salmon Couscous Salad
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup couscous Use regular or gluten-free couscous
- 1 ¼ cups water For cooking couscous
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked Can use canned or freshly cooked salmon
- 1 medium cucumber, diced Add crunch and freshness
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint), chopped Customize with your choice of herbs
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Can substitute with goat cheese or omit
- ¼ cup olive oil Use high-quality for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a pot, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of couscous to the boiling water, then remove it from heat.
- Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Once done, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, 1 cup of flaked salmon, 1 diced cucumber, chopped fresh herbs, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure it is well-coated.
Serve
- You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for better flavor.