Caprese Couscous Salad (Printable)

Mediterranean-inspired salad combining tender couscous, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil with balsamic glaze.

# What You Need:

→ Couscous

01 - 1 cup pearled Israeli couscous
02 - 1 1/4 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Salad

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
08 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
11 - 1 teaspoon honey, optional

# How-To:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil. Add pearled couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
03 - Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and toss gently. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 - Transfer salad to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, adding honey if desired for sweetness.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled presentation.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The combination of warm couscous and cool fresh ingredients creates the most satisfying temperature contrast
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant
  • You can make it ahead and it actually gets better as the flavors meld together
02 -
  • Couscous continues to absorb liquid as it sits so if you're making this ahead add the dressing right before serving
  • Room temperature couscous is much better than cold couscous so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving
  • The balsamic glaze will make everything look glossy and beautiful but it can also make the salad taste intense so start with less
03 -
  • If your balsamic glaze is too thick to drizzle gently warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds
  • Taste your tomatoes before adding them to the salad and adjust the salt accordingly
  • This salad is best eaten the same day but leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day
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