Heirloom Tomato Salad with Pearl Couscous

This cold vegetarian salad features mixed heirloom tomatoes with Mediterranean flavors and pearl couscous. This summer dish that has been a big hit with my family!

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 249 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup pitted green olives
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 4 heirloom tomatoes, quartered
• 15 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 English cucumber, cubed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring the vegetable stock to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the couscous and cook and stir until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Stir the toasted couscous into the hot vegetable stock and return to a simmer. Cover and cook until the stock has been absorbed into the couscous, about 15 minutes. Scrape into a mixing bowl, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Place the basil, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, and olives into a food processor; pulse until the herbs are coarsely chopped. Stir the herb mixture into the couscous along with the heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir until evenly combined.