Summary:
Full of delicious flavors and textures, this colorful Southwest Couscous Salad is perfect for summertime. It's a simple vegan recipe with only two steps — microwaving couscous and tossing all ingredients together — and is suitable for meal prep or parties.
INGREDIENTS
- 15-ounce can black beans, drained
- 15-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 3 roma tomatoes, diced
- 5 scallions, finely sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon
ground cayenne (Note 1) - 1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Note 2)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For Cooking Couscous:
- 1 cup couscous (Note 3)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook Couscous (Note 4): Stir together couscous, vegetable broth, and salt in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Alternatively, cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff cooked couscous with fork; set aside to cool a bit.
- Combine Salad: Add all ingredients, including cooked couscous, to large mixing bowl. Stir all ingredients together until well-mixed. Serve (Note 5).
NUTRITION
| Makes 6 Servings |
| Amount Per Serving: |
| Calories 350 (28% from fat) | |
| Total Fat 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 8% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 810mg | 34% |
| Net Carb 41g | |
| Total Carb 54.5g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.5g | 55% |
| Sugars 7.5g | |
| Protein 12g |
PHOTOS
I have made this twice now in the same month, this time for a potluck, and I LOVE IT!!! I’ve added about 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro (because I love the stuff) and I will make this over and over again this summer. It’s cool and yummy! Thanks so much!!
Loved this recipe. I used a can of rotel for the tomatoes and peppers, added mixed veggies in place of the corn, a dash of cumin and lime juice. Hubby says this is a keeper. Served with fresh rainbow trout.
This recipe went over super well! I needed to make up a vegan dish that could be enjoyed by all, and this exceeded all expectations. Making it again for my spouse’s office party right now! We use cilantro too!
I made this for a get together (that is later today) and I doubled the recipe and added cilantro and used lime in place of lemon. It turned out great! Definitely adding this to my permanent recipe book.
Hi Drake! I’m happy to hear that you liked the dish 🙂 Cilantro sounds like a delicious addition here.
Do you think I could use blender chopped cauliflower instead of couscous? Just to reduce the carbs. Look delish.
I think that could work, especially if they are chopped super fine. Do you like the taste of raw cauliflower? If not, you may want to microwave them briefly to soften them a bit, and drain/steam out any excess liquid before combining with the salad.
Hi. I don’t have fresh lemons. Can I use packaged lemon juice?
That should be fine, Khethiwe.
I don’t own a microwave, what should I do to replace that step?
Most couscous packages come with instructions on how to cook them — you can follow that if they provide a method that doesn’t involve the microwave. Another method is to use a pot on the stovetop: for 1 cup couscous, boil 1.5 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, add couscous to the boiling water, remove from heat and cover for about 5 minutes to cook.
Have u tried this with roasted corn and roasting the bell peppers?
I have not, but that sounds delicious!! Let me know if you try it!
I’m planning on making it in two days I’ll for sure let you know!
I just made this and can’t stop eating it! So good!
Made this for a shower I hosted. It was a hit! Recipe requested by several people. I will definitely be making it again.
Hi Julia!
Nice recipe. It looks beautiful and tasty.
But my children don’t like cous cous. What else can be used instead of cous cous?
Hi Marisa! You can try quinoa instead of couscous.
Just made this for lunch – delicious!
Delicious recipe! I’ve made it several times in the past month and am making it again as we speak! Wouldn’t change a thing – it’s perfect as is. Thank you!
Great, I’m glad that you like it so much!! 🙂
I made this dish today, and it was beautiful! No need for meat, it is just complete as it is!
Would it be easy enough to substitute the cous cous with quinoa? I have several friends that are either gluten intolerant or celiac. Thank you for any info!
Hi Wendi! Yes, quinoa would work great as a substitute.
This is CRAZY delicious!