Spring Pea Mint Couscous Salad (Printable)

Bright couscous with tender peas, mint, fresh veggies, and lemon dressing. Refreshing spring dish for easy entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 1/2 cups couscous
02 - 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
04 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small English cucumber, diced
08 - 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
16 - Extra mint leaves

# How-To:

01 - Bring vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Skip this step if using thawed frozen peas.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, add couscous, peas, chopped mint, parsley, scallions, diced cucumber, and radishes if using.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine and evenly coat all ingredients.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as required for balance.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and additional mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It&'s quick enough to whip up before guests arrive, but feels special for any occasion.
  • The mint and peas are as refreshing as a secret handshake between spring and your taste buds.
02 -
  • If you rush the cooling of couscous, it turns gummy – patience makes all the difference.
  • I once tossed mint in hours before serving and learned that flavors fade quickly – always add last-minute for best oomph.
03 -
  • Use fresh lemon zest right before mixing – it lifts the salad more than bottled juice ever could.
  • If making ahead, keep the salad covered in the fridge and add herbs and cheese only just before serving for peak freshness.
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