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Cucumber Mint Couscous :: A Tasty Side Dish!

Cucumber Mint Couscous by Sweet Pea

We are in the thick of summer, the perfect time for picnics and cookouts.  Are you looking for a different side dish to serve your family or to share with friends?  Cucumber Mint Couscous is good and different with a the tang of a lemon dressing combined with the sweet of chopped mint.  I made this dish to share with friends at a picnic this weekend and it was well received.

Cucumber Mint Couscous

A printable recipe is below!

Salad Preparation

The recipe calls for two cups of uncooked plain couscous.  My local grocery store only carries couscous is prepackaged boxes.  I discovered that each box contains 1 1/2 cups, so I’m glad that I bought two of them.

Couscous

 

The couscous is combined with 1 tsp salt and mixed with 2 1/4 cups of boiling water.  After stirring it together, cover it for 5 to 8 minutes or until the water has been absorbed.

Couscous with Salt

 

Fluff the couscous with a fork.  Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Fluffed Couscous

 

Seed and chop two cucumbers to yield two cups.  Chop 1/2 cup of fresh mint.

Cucumber and Mint

 

Add the cucumber, mint, and 1/2 tsp. salt to the couscous.

Add cucumber and mint to couscousCouscous mixed with cucumber and mint

Dressing Preparation

For the dressing, combine 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 T. fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. sugar and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small bowl.  Whisk in 1/3 cup EVOO.

Cucumber Mint Couscous Dressing Ingredients

Cucumber Mint Couscous Dressing

Pour over couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.  This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.Cucumber Mint Couscous

 

A garnish of mint is a pretty added touch.

Yield: 6-8

Cucumber Mint Couscous

Cucumber Mint Couscous

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked plain couscous
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 1/4 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups chopped seedless cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 T lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Garnish: fresh mint sprig

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine couscous and 1 tsp salt. Pour boiling water over couscous. Cover, and let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 5 to 8 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Add remaining 1/2 tsp salt, cucumber, and mint.
  • In a small bowl combine lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and pepper; whisk in olive oil. Pour over couscous mixture; toss gently to combine.
  • Spoon into a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

  • Cucumber Mint CouscousCloseUp

    Cucumber Mint Couscous - A yummy side dish for your next picnic!  virginiasweetpea.com  #salad #sidedish #couscous #mint

    6 Comments

    1. This looks so so yummy! I love cucumbers but they don’t love me but this look like it’s worth a try!

    2. This recipe looks so light and delicious!! I’ve had a box of couscous in the cupboard just waiting for this recipe and I happen to have everything I need to make it today! I’ll share this with my daughters, they’re always looking for new ways to serve couscous to their families.
      I love your reamer! I have a collection and use them all the time! Thanks, Paula!!

      June

      1. Let me know if you like it, June. We had it last night for a late evening picnic at the lake. This time I made a tiny bit more dressing and I liked the added flavor.

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