Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella
This Israeli Couscous Salad with tomato and mozzarella is full of fresh herbs. It is a fantastic side dish for any great meal, or it could stand alone as a lunch.
Today we’re celebrating Aggie of Aggie’s Kitchen and the little man she’s cooking up in her belly. I just love Aggie. As one of the first bloggers I “met” online, and one of the first to welcome me into the blogging community, she holds a special place in my heart. She had faith in me as a blogger before I did!
I’m so excited to be participating in her surprise virtual baby shower today. Surprise, Aggie! I hope you’re wrapped in love today — you mean so much to all of us and we’re so very happy for you and your family.
We’re throwing Aggie an Italian themed baby shower. So technically I guess Israeli couscous is, umm…Israeli and not Italian…but it’s pasta. Pasta = Italian. Just go with the flow, okay? You could actually make this salad with any pasta that you like. It would be fantastic with normal couscous or orzo.
This couscous salad encompasses some of the best flavors of summer: flavorful herbs, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and juicy tomatoes. The whole wheat Israeli couscous gives a perfect nutty flavor and bit of chewy texture. I think you’ll love it!
It’s a perfect way to use your summer herbs. If you want to go with all basil, this couscous salad would be reminiscent of a caprese salad. I love caprese dishes so much, don’t you? Have you tried this hot caprese dip, or chicken caprese quinoa bake? So delicious! Oops, got a little sidetracked there.
In this herbed Israeli couscous salad, I also use lots of Italian flat leaf parsley, in addition to basil, because I love parsley’s fresh flavor.
Hope you enjoy this Italian style couscous salad with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella!
Craving more summer-worthy salads? Try:
Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella
This Couscous Salad with tomato and mozzarella is full of fresh herbs. It is a fantastic side dish for any great meal, or could stand alone as a lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat pearl couscous, uncooked (appr. 3 cups cooked)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 heaping cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 heaping cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, boil water. Add salt, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and couscous. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Add remaining ingredients, including 2 tablespoons olive oil; stir to combine. Best served immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 heaping cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 427Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 643mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gProtein: 21g
RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.
Husband’s take: No complaints from hubby.
Changes I would make: None are necessary but feel free to play around with different herbs.
Difficulty: Easy!
33 Comments on “Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella”
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This salad looks so fresh and delicious!
OH my ..it’s 9:30 am and I want is RIGHT NOW!!!! Bring and light and easy!!!
I never cared for couscous; it’s tinyness probably…but the first time I tried Israeli or Pearl couscous I was in love and your salad is a good idea of why. It looks and sounds great.
sounds fantastic! i love israeli couscous.
Great combination. I like anything with tomato mozarella and fresh herbs. Fun virtual party!
I love Israeli couscous, and now you have me searching out the whole wheat kind, yay! Great salad, so perfect for sweet Aggie’s baby shower.
I can’t wait to meet you in real life! Your words truly warmed my heart, I’m so glad we met “virtually” when we did, feels kinda just like yesterday, but really it’s almost 2 babies later lol!
I have a container of whole wheat Israeli cous cous in my pantry! This is my kinda eating that’s for sure! And heck yea it = Italian! :)
Perfect shower dish!! I have been craving Israeli couscous lately too. I have to make this!
What a gorgeous salad! I don’t cook with Israeli couscous often enough, and this is one that I know my family would love. And your description of Aggie was spot-on…she’s an amazing person.
I love Israeli couscous – the little pearls just pop in your mouth. Great looking combination of flavors!
I love Aggie ‘s site too! What a great idea and this dish looks easy and summery=perfect combo!
This looks amazing, perfect for a baby shower!
Rachel, CUTE post! And I totally agree… we will go with it: Pasta DOES = Italian! :) I’m on a quest for easy recipes to have on hand during this now busy back to school season… and to have leftovers for my lunches. Pinning this right now to make asap Friend. Thanks!!!!
Y’all are sooooo sweet! Love Aggie ! This salad looks absolutely delicious!
I love reading everything that everyone is writing about our sweet Aggie, I’m so happy for her! So glad you joined in on the shower and this looks amazing! I love Israeli couscous!
Besides roasted cauliflower I am highly addicted to anything couscous. This israeli couscous is going to be made for sure.
I love this Italian spin on Israeli couscous. It looks so good! I’ve also posted an Israeli couscous dish today.
Couscous Salad? It sounds perfect for a baby shower! It’s so fun to be a part of this event with you!
awe what sweet words about Aggie. Isn’t she just the greatest?!?! This couscous salad looks divine and if we were all together today to celebrate I know we would devour it in no time!
Love this! I can’t remember the last time I had couscous but I definitely need some in my life soon.
What a spread! This salad is such a great contribution – love those summer flavours!
This salad definitely seems Italian to me. And it looks and sounds delicious!
Oh good! Thanks Christine :)
I’m cracking up at your post!! “It’s pasta so just go with the flow ok?” LOL!! BTW I love your story of how you met Aggie. :) Thank you so much for participating!!
:) Thanks Liz! Thanks again for hosting :)
This salad is perfection…looks like something Aggie would love! Mee tooo!
Thanks Sheila!
This salad looks so light and full of flavor at the same time!! My favorite kind of salads!
Congrats to Aggie! All these links sound delicious; thanks for hosting such a fabulous party with fantastic food!!
Thanks Tahny! You nailed it — light but full of flavor, perfect for a summer event!
sounds yummy
thank you!