Caprese Couscous Salad

Caprese Couscous Salad is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, with the addition of fluffy couscous to make it more hearty and filling. This dish combines the bright, juicy flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a light balsamic glaze and olive oil dressing. The couscous soaks up the dressing, adding a delightful texture and making this salad perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck.

I first made this Caprese Couscous Salad on a warm summer day when I wanted something refreshing but with a little more substance than a regular salad. The couscous adds a nice bite that pairs wonderfully with the tender tomatoes and mozzarella. The fresh basil elevates the flavor, while the balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to tie everything together.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to put together, but still impressive with its bold, fresh flavors. You can even make it ahead of time and let the couscous soak up the dressing, making it a great make-ahead dish. Caprese Couscous Salad is perfect for any season, offering a satisfying yet light option that’s both delicious and nutritious!

Perfect for:

Summer gatherings
Picnics
Barbecues
Light lunches
Tomato and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Caprese Couscous Salad will become your go-to dish:

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a bright, fresh flavor.
Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with nutrients from the tomatoes, basil, and couscous, it’s both filling and good for you.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, main course, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Customizable: Adjust the dressing, herbs, or add-ins to suit your taste—try adding olives, cucumbers, or avocado.
Vibrant Colors: The bright red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil make this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Light and Refreshing: It’s a great option for a light lunch or as a complement to heavier dishes.
Balsamic Glaze Kick: The drizzle of balsamic glaze gives it a sweet and tangy finish that ties everything together.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 cup couscous
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

The Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Balsamic Glaze:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Ingredient Highlights

Couscous: A light, fluffy grain that serves as a great base for the salad, absorbing all the flavors of the dressing.
Fresh Mozzarella: Adds creaminess and richness, complementing the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet and tangy finish, enhancing the flavor profile of the salad.
Fresh Basil: Brings a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the whole dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Couscous:

Cook Couscous: Bring 1 ¼ cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Season Couscous: Once cooled, fluff the couscous again and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Make the Dressing:

Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Make the Balsamic Glaze:

Reduce Balsamic Vinegar: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by half (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Salad:

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the couscous with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and red onion (if using).
Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serve:

Finish with Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad just before serving for a sweet and tangy touch.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Caprese Couscous Salad:

As a Picnic Dish: Pack it in a container for an easy, no-fuss picnic meal.
With Grilled Meat: Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or steak.
For a Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a filling, yet light lunch on a warm day.
With a Side of Bread: Pair it with some crusty bread to complete the meal.
On the Side of Pasta: Serve it next to a bowl of pasta for an Italian-inspired spread.
For a Potluck: Bring it to your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish.
As a Snack: Great for a midday snack that’s light but satisfying.
With Avocado: Add avocado slices on top for a creamy contrast to the tangy dressing.
With Grilled Shrimp: Toss in some grilled shrimp for an extra protein boost.
As a Holiday Side: Perfect for serving during summer holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day.

Additional Tips

Chill the Salad: For best results, chill the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls are ideal for this salad, but you can also use bocconcini or burrata for extra creaminess.
Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients to suit your taste, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have basil, you can substitute with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

Add Olives: Add black or green olives for a salty, briny contrast.
Cucumber and Feta: Toss in diced cucumber and feta cheese for a refreshing twist.
Grilled Vegetables: Use grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Lemon Dressing: Substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
Vegan Version: Omit the mozzarella and use tofu or avocado for a plant-based version.

Special Equipment

Medium Saucepan: For cooking the couscous.
Small Bowl: For whisking the dressing ingredients.
Saucepan: For reducing the balsamic vinegar into a glaze.
Large Bowl: For mixing the salad ingredients together.

FAQ Section

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
Yes, quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative to couscous.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Can I substitute the mozzarella?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as feta or goat cheese.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad will last up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, you can use a red wine vinegar reduction or a lemon glaze for a different flavor.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would make great additions.
How can I make the balsamic glaze thicker?
Simply cook it longer until it reduces more and reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
Is this salad vegan?
No, it contains mozzarella, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting the cheese.
Can I make the dressing without mustard?
Yes, you can omit the mustard or replace it with a small amount of lemon juice for tang.

Conclusion

Caprese Couscous Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the light texture of couscous. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are tossed together with fluffy couscous and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The result is a perfect balance of refreshing, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal for a light lunch, side dish, or even a picnic.

This salad is quick to prepare, and the couscous soaks up all the delicious flavors of the dressing, making every bite a delight. Add a sprinkle of pine nuts or olives for extra crunch or depth, and feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

I’d love to see your Caprese Couscous Salad creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how fresh and delicious your salad turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any unique twists you’ve added to make it your own!