Go Back
As the sunny days of summer roll in, so does the desire for light, refreshing meals that celebrate the season's bounty. Chilled Tomato Basil Couscous Bowls offer a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer produce while providing a nutritious and satisfying dish. This recipe not only highlights the luscious taste of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil but also showcases the versatility of couscous, making it an excellent choice for both a quick lunch and a sophisticated dinner option.

Chilled Tomato Basil Couscous Bowls

Discover the delightful Chilled Tomato Basil Couscous Bowls, the perfect recipe for summer! This refreshing dish highlights fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, combined with fluffy couscous for a nutritious meal that's easy to prepare. Ideal for lunch or dinner, these bowls can be customized to fit your tastes with seasonal veggies and optional proteins. Packed with flavor and health benefits, this vibrant dish will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 ¼ cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: Avocado slices for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and stir in the couscous until evenly mixed. Cover the saucepan and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb all the liquid. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

    Cool the couscous: Transfer the fluffed couscous into a large mixing bowl, spreading it out in an even layer to expedite the cooling process. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the couscous for about 10-15 minutes for quicker chilling.

      Combine the vegetables: In a separate mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and freshly chopped basil. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.

        Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired; you can add more salt or lemon juice for flavor.

          Mix it all together: Once the couscous has reached a cool temperature, fold in the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently combine everything, ensuring every ingredient is well-coated. If desired, fold in the avocado slices carefully to prevent them from mashing.

            Serve: Spoon the chilled couscous and vegetable mixture into individual bowls. Top each bowl generously with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor, and garnish with additional basil leaves for an extra pop of color.

              Chill if needed: For an extra refreshing experience, cover the bowls and return them to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Enjoy these refreshing Chilled Tomato Basil Couscous Bowls as a delightful, nutritious meal any time of the year!