11 Fall Couscous Salads for Quick Dinners

quick and hearty salads

Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberry Couscous Salad

roasted squash couscous salad
Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Vegetable broth 1 ¼ cups
Butternut squash, diced 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Pumpkin seeds (optional) ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread it on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  3. While the squash is roasting, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan, stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  5. If using, sprinkle in pumpkin seeds for added crunch and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful fall-inspired meal!
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Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Feta and Olives

mediterranean couscous salad recipe

Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Feta and Olives is a vibrant and invigorating dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the Mediterranean. This quick and easy salad combines fluffy couscous with tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it an ideal option for a light dinner or a side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Cucumber, diced 1 cup
Red onion, finely chopped ¼ cup
Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced ½ cup
Feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then stir in the couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
  5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!
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Autumn Harvest Couscous With Apples and Pecans

autumn apple pecan couscous

Autumn Harvest Couscous With Apples and Pecans is a warm and comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of fall. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and fluffy couscous creates a delightful, nutty salad that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a cozy side dish for your autumn gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Granny Smith apple, diced 1 medium
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Pecans, toasted and chopped ½ cup
Green onions, sliced ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous with diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper; then pour over the couscous mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the flavors of autumn!
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Spicy Chickpea and Couscous Salad

spicy chickpea couscous salad

Spicy Chickpea and Couscous Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that combines the nuttiness of couscous with the heartiness of chickpeas and a kick of spice. This salad is not only quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights, but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a satisfying main or a side for any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Canned chickpeas, drained 1 can (15 oz)
Red bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Cucumber, diced 1 medium
Green onions, sliced ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous with drained chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and sliced green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper; drizzle over the couscous mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, either warm or chilled. Enjoy!
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Maple Dijon Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad

maple dijon roasted vegetable salad

Maple Dijon Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad is a warm, hearty dish perfect for fall. This salad combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tangy flavor of Dijon mustard, creating a delightful dressing for roasted seasonal vegetables and fluffy couscous. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a quick dinner or as a nutritious side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Mixed seasonal vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell pepper) 2 cups, chopped
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh spinach or arugula (optional) 2 cups
Chopped walnuts (optional) ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted vegetables, and drizzle the dressing over. Toss to combine.
  5. If using, mix in fresh spinach or arugula and garnish with chopped walnuts and parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!
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Curried Pumpkin Couscous Salad

curried pumpkin couscous salad

Curried Pumpkin Couscous Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that embraces the essence of fall. Combining the rich taste of roasted pumpkin with the aromatic spices of curry, this salad is a delightful and satisfying option for a quick dinner. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, serving well both as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Pumpkin, cubed 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Curry powder 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Chopped green onions ¼ cup
Fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup
Toasted pumpkin seeds ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed pumpkin with olive oil, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted pumpkin, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
  4. Toss well to mix all the ingredients together and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds before serving. Enjoy warm!
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Pear and Gorgonzola Couscous Salad

fall pear gorgonzola salad

Pear and Gorgonzola Couscous Salad is a revitalizing and sophisticated dish that’s perfect for fall. The sweetness of ripe pears pairs beautifully with the tangy notes of Gorgonzola cheese, making this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s a wonderful choice for a quick dinner or as a side dish for your fall gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Pear, diced 2
Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled ½ cup
Walnuts, chopped ½ cup
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Fresh arugula 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh arugula.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss everything gently to combine and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Harvest Grain Couscous With Kale and Walnuts

hearty couscous kale salad

Harvest Grain Couscous with Kale and Walnuts is a hearty and wholesome dish that celebrates the flavors of fall. This vibrant salad combines the nutty taste of harvest grain couscous with the earthiness of kale and the crunch of walnuts, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a nutritious side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Harvest grain couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Kale, chopped 2 cups
Walnuts, chopped ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, stir in harvest grain couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add chopped kale and sauté until wilted.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, sautéed kale, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
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Pomegranate and Citrus Couscous Salad

pomegranate citrus couscous salad

Pomegranate and Citrus Couscous Salad is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that highlights the bright flavors of fall fruits. Combining the chewy texture of couscous with the tangy sweetness of pomegranates and citrus, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy a quick and healthy dinner, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Pomegranate seeds ½ cup
Citrus segments (orange and grapefruit) 1 cup
Green onions, sliced ¼ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 tablespoon
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, pomegranate seeds, citrus segments, green onions, and fresh parsley.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Couscous Salad

nutritious sweet potato salad

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Couscous Salad is a hearty and nutritious dish that perfectly balances the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes and black beans with the light and fluffy texture of couscous. This salad makes for a filling and flavorful meal that can be served warm or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner that’s packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Sweet potato, diced 1 medium
Canned black beans, rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
Red bell pepper, diced ½ cup
Red onion, chopped ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lime juice 1 tablespoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Caprese Couscous Salad With Basil and Balsamic

refreshing caprese couscous salad

Caprese Couscous Salad With Basil and Balsamic is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the light and fluffy texture of couscous. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is drizzled with balsamic glaze, making it a delightful option for a quick dinner or a perfect side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) 1 cup
Fresh basil leaves, torn ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Balsamic glaze 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and stir in couscous. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, combine fluffed couscous, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for a revitalizing salad later. Enjoy!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.