As you age, cooking becomes more of a challenge with each passing year. Besides not wanting to be on your feet for as long of a period, you also have to ensure you are eating a healthy diet to keep up your strength.
Even though making something gourmet might not be on your radar anymore, there are still several healthy recipes that are easy to make for yourself and visitors.
This recipe, cous cous salad, makes 5 portions, enough to make in advance and eat all week for lunch or to serve as a side for a larger meal. Couscous salad is naturally vegetarian and is considered very healthy and balanced. If you have access to dairy-free feta where you live, this recipe can also be made dairy-free.
Couscous salad is not spicy, so this is an excellent recipe for those who are spice-adverse. Now let’s look at how to make it!
Ingredients for Couscous Salad:
- 1 small onion (can buy pre-diced)
- 5-6 large tomatoes (diced)
- 1 large cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup of dried raisins
- 1 package cubed feta (swap for dairy-free if needed)
- ½ cup dried couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Couscous Salad (Step by Step)
Dice any vegetables you weren’t able to purchase pre-diced and set aside.
If the feta isn’t pre-diced, cut it into cubes now.
Use a coffee pot to boil 1-2 cups of water. You can also use the stove, this just takes longer.
While you are waiting for the water to boil, pour the couscous into a glass or plastic measuring cup.
After the water has boiled, pour it over the couscous, covering it completely until the water reaches about a half inch above the couscous surface. Add a pinch of salt, a dash of olive oil, then stir and set aside. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Grab a large bowl for mixing your salad and put all of the vegetables in the bottom. Add the feta.
After 5 minutes, check on the couscous. It should be fluffy and easy to stir. If not, add a couple of tablespoons of water and wait another 5 minutes.
When the couscous is done, add it to the bowl with the veggies and feta.
Add the raisins to the bowl.
Then, add the olive oil and vinegar. Also, add the salt and a pinch of pepper.
Mix well, then taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed, mixing a second time. Repeat until it tastes good to you.
And just like that, your couscous salad is ready to serve, enjoy!
Variations of Couscous Salad:
- Add a diced bell pepper if you want some extra crunch
- Add some fresh parsley if you want a more Greek taste.
- Skip the raisins if you want to watch your sugar intake.
Tips for Making Couscous Salad:
- Cover the couscous: After adding the water, cover the couscous so it will cook as quickly as possible.
- Buy pre-diced ingredients: While the tomatoes do need to be fresh for this recipe, the rest can be purchased pre-diced to save you time.
- Do NOT use premade couscous: Couscous is so quick and easy to make, don’t buy the premade. Plus, part of this recipe relies on the cous cous soaking up olive oil, vinegar, and tomato juices–so it won’t taste the same as making it yourself.
What to Serve With Couscous Salad
We think that couscous salad is an amazing lunch or light dinner all on its own! But if you want to serve with with a side, it goes great with a grilled chicken breast or baked fish. It can also be brought to a potluck for sharing.
How to Store Couscous Salad
Couscous salad saves amazingly well in the fridge for 3-5 days. Simply cover it with a lid or aluminum foil and put it in the fridge, and you have lunch for the entire week!
How to Reheat Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is meant to be served cold. Do not reheat.
Check Out Our Other Easy Recipes for Seniors Below:
Recipe Card
Couscous Salad
Yield: 5
Time: 10-15 minutes (10 minutes prep, 5 minutes cooking)
Directions:
1. Dice any vegetables you weren’t able to buy pre-diced.
2. Dice the feta if it isn’t already.
3. Boil two cups of water.
4. Pour the couscous into a measuring cup.
5. Cover the couscous with water, adding a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil. Set aside for 5 minutes.
6. Add all veggies and feta to a large bowl.
7. When the cous cous is done, fluff it, and then add it to the bowl.
8. Add the raisins to the bowl.
9. Add the olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper to the bowl.
10. Stir well. Taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Repeat as needed.
11. Enjoy!
