Spring Pea Feta Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Salad

Introduction

Spring and summer bring warm weather, fresh produce, and outdoor dining, making it the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed salads. If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant dish that works well as a side or a main course, this Spring Pea Feta Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is exactly what you need.

This salad is a wonderful combination of tender pearl couscous, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a homemade basil vinaigrette that ties everything together. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a go-to dish for summer salads, picnics, BBQs, and meal prep.

If you love couscous pistachio salad, enjoy the freshness of pearl couscous with spinach, or need Greek pearl couscous salad ideas, this recipe will become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect for Summer – A refreshing mix of seasonal produce and bright flavors.
✔ Easy to Make – Cooks in under 30 minutes and requires minimal effort.
✔ Nutrient-Dense – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
✔ Versatile – Works as a side dish, light lunch, or vegetarian main course.
✔ Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

What is Couscous?

Couscous is a tiny pasta made from semolina wheat, commonly used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. It comes in different varieties, including:

Traditional Couscous – Small and fluffy grains that cook quickly.
Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous) – Larger, chewy pasta pearls that work well in salads.

In this recipe, we’re using pearl couscous, which absorbs the flavors of the basil vinaigrette while providing a delicious, slightly chewy texture.

Ingredients for Spring Pea Feta Couscous Salad

For the Pearl Couscous Salad

1 cup pearl couscous
1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 small cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Basil Vinaigrette

1 cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Avocado – For extra creaminess.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Adds protein for a full meal.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a tangy and slightly sweet depth.
Pesto Pearl Couscous Salad Variation – Swap the basil vinaigrette for homemade pesto.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pearl Couscous

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
Add the pearl couscous, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.

🔹 Tip: Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent the couscous from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette

In a blender or food processor, combine basil, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and emulsified.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

🔹 Tip: If the dressing is too thick, add 1 tbsp of water to thin it out.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled couscous, peas, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
Drizzle with basil vinaigrette and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Gently fold in feta cheese and chopped pistachios.

🔹 Tip: Add the feta last to prevent it from breaking apart too much.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of pistachios for crunch.
Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a main meal!

What to Serve with Pearl Couscous Salad

This Greek pearl couscous salad pairs beautifully with:

🥩 Grilled Meats – Chicken, lamb, or salmon for a Mediterranean feast.
🥖 Crusty Bread or Pita – Perfect for scooping up the dressing.
🥗 Other Summer Salads – Serve alongside a Caprese salad or Greek salad.
🍷 Refreshing Drinks – A glass of white wine, iced tea, or citrus-infused water.

Health Benefits of This Salad

This couscous pistachio salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

💪 High in Protein – Feta, couscous, and pistachios provide plant-based protein.
🌿 Rich in Antioxidants – Basil, spinach, and peas help fight inflammation.
🍋 Great for Digestion – Couscous and veggies provide fiber to aid digestion.
🩺 Heart-Healthy – Olive oil and pistachios contain healthy fats.

Variations & Customizations

1. Pesto Pearl Couscous Salad

🔹 Mix 2 tbsp basil pesto into the dressing for an extra herby twist.

2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

🔹 Add kalamata olives, chickpeas, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

3. Protein-Packed Power Bowl

🔹 Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a high-protein meal.

4. Citrus Couscous Salad

🔹 Swap lemon juice for orange juice and add sliced oranges for a citrus burst.

How to Store & Make Ahead

🥶 Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating:

Best served cold or at room temperature, but you can lightly warm it if needed.

🍽 Meal Prep Tip:

Keep the vinaigrette separate and toss just before serving for the freshest taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Pearl Couscous?

Pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) is a larger, chewy pasta made from semolina wheat, perfect for salads.

2. Can I Use Regular Couscous Instead?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time (regular couscous cooks in 5 minutes).

3. Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap pearl couscous for quinoa or brown rice.

4. What Other Nuts Can I Use?

Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

5. Can I Make This Vegan?

Yes! Omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Couscous Salad Recipe

This Spring Pea Feta Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you love pearl couscous salad recipes, pesto pearl couscous salad, or summer salads, this dish is sure to impress!

🌿 Try this recipe today and let us know how you like it! 🥗💚