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5 simple couscous salads to enjoy this summer

by Malou Herkes

published on 4 May 2023, last updated on 14 May 2024

“Couscous has to be the best of all the ‘instant’ foods”, says Mary Berry and we have to agree. Couscous is easy and quick to cook, and is a wonderful, filling carbohydrate to bulk out your summer salads. Try one of these couscous salad recipes and pack it up for a lunch al-desko or for dinner alongside grilled kebabs, chicken or fish. 

easy couscous salad recipes green couscous salad mary berry

Green Couscous Salad from Mary Berry at Home by Mary Berry

A celebration of summer, this couscous salad recipe is packed with crunchy, green veg and plenty of herbs. Make it more of a main course by adding a crumbling of goat’s or feta cheese. 

From the book

Mary Berry, Lucy Young

easy couscous salad recipes summer cherry olive goats cheese salad the modern pantry

Cherry, Olive, Braised Red Onion and Couscous Salad from The Modern Pantry by Anna Hansen 

Sour cherries and Kalamata olives are met with braised red onion and Tymsboro goats' cheese in this vibrant couscous salad. 

Get your copy of The Modern Pantry here

easy couscous salad recipes couscous salad eat well for less

Couscous Salad from Eat Well for Less: Family Feasts on a Budget by Jo Scarratt-Jones

Studded with roasted red peppers and chickpeas, and enlivened with harissa and plenty of fresh herbs, this is an easy way to turn couscous into a dish that's full of flavour. Top tip? “Always add your spice flavourings to the dry couscous before adding the stock as this will help to soften the flavour”. 

Order your copy of Eat Well for Less: Family Feasts on a Budget here

easy couscous salad recipe harissa salmon and giant couscous the great british bake off cookbook

Roast Harissa Salmon With Lemony Giant Couscous from The Great British Bake Off: Winter Kitchen by Lizzie Kamenetzky

Giant couscous is different to the smaller semolina grains of couscous you might be used to, and needs to be cooked in boiling water as you would cook pasta. Nevertheless, we couldn't resist including it here, paired with a lemony dressing, harissa and flakes of buttery salmon. 

Order your copy of The Great British Bake Off: Winter Kitchen.

easy couscous salad recipes charred veg couscous salad jamie oliver family classics

Couscous salad with Charred Veg, Feta and Mint from Super Food Family Classics by Jamie Oliver

With four portions of veg per serving, chopped and charred and thrown together with nuts, fresh mint, feta and couscous, this is a perfect family meal for a warm summer night.

Get a copy of Jamie's Super Food Family Classics here

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