Couscous & Falafel Salad with Minty Yogurt Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant couscous and falafel salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring spicy harissa, salty olives, and creamy feta. Paired with a refreshing minty yogurt, it makes a perfect light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 300g couscous
- 300ml hot vegetable or chicken stock
- 250g tub olives and feta cheese in olive oil
- 1 heaped tbsp harissa paste
- 2 x 200g packs falafel
- 290g jar roasted red peppers, drained and thinly sliced
- 300g fat-free yogurt
- Bunch mint, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour the hot stock over it. Cover with cling film and leave to swell for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the olives and feta, reserving some of the olive oil from the tub. Stir most of the harissa paste into the couscous along with the reserved oil and season to taste.
- Step 3: Transfer the couscous onto a serving platter. Scatter the falafel over the couscous, then pile the roasted red peppers, olives, and feta to one side.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with most of the chopped mint and a bit of seasoning. Ripple through the remaining harissa and sprinkle over the remaining mint.
- Step 5: Serve the minty yogurt alongside the couscous and falafel salad for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegan yogurt and falafel for a plant-based version of this dish.
- Add chopped cucumber or cherry tomatoes to the salad for extra freshness and crunch.
- Adjust the amount of harissa to your preferred spice level, adding more for a hotter dish.
- Warm the falafel before serving for a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft couscous.
Storage
Store any leftover salad and yogurt separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the falafel gently in the oven to maintain crispness before serving. The couscous salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept chilled if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the couscous and yogurt dressing in advance, but it’s best to add the falafel and roasted peppers just before serving to keep textures fresh.
What can I substitute for harissa paste?
If you don’t have harissa, you can use a mix of chili powder and smoked paprika or a mild chili paste to add similar smoky heat and flavor.
Print
Couscous & Falafel Salad with Minty Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Couscous & Falafel Salad served with a refreshing minty yogurt dressing. This delightful dish combines fluffy couscous soaked in hot stock, spicy harissa, savory falafel, tangy roasted red peppers, and a creamy yogurt sauce infused with fresh mint, making it perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 300g couscous
- 300ml hot vegetable or chicken stock
- 250g tub olives and feta cheese in olive oil
- 1 heaped tbsp harissa paste
- 2 x 200g packs falafel
- 290g jar roasted red peppers, drained and thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 300g fat-free yogurt
- Bunch mint, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over the hot vegetable or chicken stock. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film and leave it to swell for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is light and fluffy.
- Prepare the olives and feta: Drain the olives and feta cheese, reserving some of the olive oil for added flavor in the couscous mixture.
- Mix the couscous: Stir most of the harissa paste into the couscous along with the reserved olive oil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the harissa is evenly distributed for a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Assemble the salad: Tip the seasoned couscous onto a large platter. Scatter the cooked falafel over the couscous and pile the roasted red peppers, olives, and feta to one side.
- Make the minty yogurt dressing: In a small bowl, combine the fat-free yogurt with most of the chopped mint and season with salt and pepper. Gently ripple through the remaining harissa paste to add a spicy kick. Sprinkle the remaining mint over the top of the yogurt dressing for freshness.
- Serve: Serve the minty yogurt accompaniment alongside the couscous and falafel salad for a fresh and tasty meal that combines contrasting textures and flavors.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute chicken stock for vegetable stock and ensure falafel is dairy-free.
- You can warm the falafel slightly before serving for a contrast of textures.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra freshness, garnish with additional chopped mint or lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked falafel and soaking couscous only)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: couscous salad, falafel salad, minty yogurt dressing, Mediterranean salad, harissa, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
