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Spring Couscous Salad

Vibrant Spring Couscous Salad for Fresh, Flavorful Meals

Enjoy this vibrant Spring Couscous Salad, packed with fresh peas, arugula, and a garlicky marinade for delightful meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup pearl couscous Substitute with quinoa or farro for variety.
  • 1 cup fresh peas Frozen peas work great too—no thawing needed!
  • 2 cups arugula Substitute with baby spinach or mixed greens.
  • 1 medium red onion Pickled onions can add an exciting twist.
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Adjust amounts to your liking.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Opt for extra virgin for the best taste.
  • 1/4 cup pistachios Skip if avoiding nuts.
For the Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil For richness in the marinade.
  • 2 cloves garlic Chopped roughly for texture.
  • 1 tablespoon za’atar A delightful spice blend.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Use ground or whole seeds crushed.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust based on taste.

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Small saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add fresh peas and cook for about 1.5 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and cool.
  2. In the same pot, combine 1 cup of pearl couscous with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add roughly chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of za’atar, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and a pinch of kosher salt, then remove from heat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, blanched peas, chopped red onion, arugula, and a handful of fresh mint and parsley. Gently fold together.
  5. Pour the warm garlicky marinade over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped pistachios if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Fresh herbs should be stored separately to maintain their crispness.

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