Spring Pea Mint Couscous Salad (Printable)

Couscous with spring peas and fragrant mint makes a vibrant, refreshing side ideal for gatherings.

# What You'll 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

# Step-by-step Directions:

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, then allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and tender. If using frozen peas, thaw and skip blanching. Drain and rinse peas under cold water to stop the cooking process.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared couscous, peas, chopped mint, parsley, scallions, diced cucumber, and radishes.
05 - Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with crumbled feta and extra mint leaves. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This salad tastes like spring in a bowl and takes only minutes to prepare—your secret shortcut to a vibrant table.
  • The mint brings a fresh twist that always makes guests ask for the recipe, and it keeps beautifully for lunches.
02 -
  • If you rush the couscous cooling, it turns clumpy and mushy instead of light—patience pays off here.
  • Adding mint too early dulls its scent; toss it in right before serving for maximum freshness.
03 -
  • Always fluff the couscous well, breaking apart clumps for a light and airy base.
  • Chop herbs just before adding—they wilt quickly and lose their brightness if prepared in advance.
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