Refreshing Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad with Vinaigrette
Table of Contents
A Mediterranean Experience
I’ve always believed that a great meal can transport you to another place, and that’s exactly what I wanted to achieve with this Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad. The inspiration came to me during one of those rare, lazy Sunday afternoons when my husband and I were flipping through old photo albums. We stumbled upon pictures from our trip to the Mediterranean a few years ago. We had wandered through vibrant markets filled with the freshest produce, and one of the most memorable meals we had was a simple yet flavorful shrimp and couscous dish at a small seaside café.
I remember how the briny shrimp paired beautifully with the fluffy couscous, all brought together by a tangy vinaigrette that tasted like sunshine on a plate. It was one of those meals that stayed with me, not just because of the taste but because of the atmosphere—the warm breeze, the sound of the waves, and the joy of discovering something new.
How to Recreate Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad At Home
With those memories in mind, I decided to recreate that experience at home. I wanted a dish that captured the essence of that Mediterranean meal but with a bit of my own twist. I added fresh bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch, and a generous handful of parsley to brighten everything up. The garlic vinaigrette was a must—it’s what ties all the flavors together and gives the salad its zesty punch.
As I mixed the ingredients together, I could almost hear the distant hum of the Mediterranean Sea diet, and I knew I had captured the essence of that trip. This salad is more than just a meal; it’s a memory on a plate, a way to relive a beautiful moment every time we sit down to enjoy it. And now, every time I make it, it brings a bit of that Mediterranean magic into our home.
Chef’s Notes – Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad
- Fluff the couscous: After cooking, fluff the couscous with a fork to prevent clumping and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley really brightens up this dish. You can also add fresh mint or basil for extra flavor. For a more complete meal, you can serve this salad with our Grilled Flatbread.
- Balance the vinaigrette: Taste the vinaigrette before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too tangy, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
- Chill for flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste.
- Add some crunch: For a bit of extra texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving.
- Serving suggestion: This Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a light soup for a well-rounded meal.
Shrimp and Couscous Delight
4
servings20
minutes5
minutes320
kcal2
hours2
hours25
minutesDive into this refreshing Shrimp and Couscous Delight! Perfect for a summer lunch or dinner, this salad combines succulent shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty garlic vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!
Ingredients
- Couscous Base
2 cups couscous
2 cups boiling water
- Garlic Vinaigrette
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground cumin
1 clove garlic minced
- Salad Mix-ins
1 red bell pepper diced
1 yellow bell pepper diced
1.5 pounds cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
2 medium tomatoes diced
1 cup fresh parsley chopped
1 cup feta cheese crumbled
Directions
- Prepare Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add couscous, cover the pan, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork to prevent clumping. Allow it to cool completely.
- Make Vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled couscous with diced red and yellow bell peppers, cooked shrimp, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress Salad: Whisk the vinaigrette again to ensure it’s well mixed. Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more vinaigrette as needed to ensure everything is well dressed but not drenched.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- saucepan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 25IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 10mg
Grilled Shrimp Flatbread with Herb Pesto
Cooks in 45 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into a delightful culinary experience with this Grilled Shrimp Flatbread topped with a vibrant herb pesto and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish combines the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp with the fresh zest of homemade pesto. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal that will impress your family and friends!
Quick Vegan Nut Mix
Cooks in 5 minutesDifficulty: EasyThis Quick Vegan Nut Mix is a breeze to whip up and ready in just 5 minutes! It’s the ultimate snack for busy days, travel, or a quick energy boost. Packed with a delightful mix of nuts, dried fruits, and vegan chocolate chips, this trail mix is both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based snack option.
FAQs – Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
How long can I store the Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is there a substitute for couscous?
Yes, quinoa or bulgur wheat can be used as a substitute for couscous. Both will provide a slightly different texture but will work well with the other ingredients.
