October 03, 2022
Lemon Feta Couscous Salad
Lemon Feta Couscous Salad is loaded with flavor and makes the best lunch! Packed with arugula, white beans, feta cheese, couscous and a lemon vinaigrette.
Earlier this summer, I made my Lemon Feta Couscous Salad over on Pinterest and it went viral! I knew my blog readers would love the recipe as well so I made it again for easy lunches throughout the week and am sharing it here. It is the best easy salad that you will love eating a few days in a row. I loaded it with a bunch of delicious ingredients like couscous, peppery arugula, white beans, feta cheese, basil, lemon zest, green onions and a homemade lemon vinaigrette. So good!
Why should I eat beans?
If you have been following The Nutritionist Reviews for awhile, you know I love cooking with beans. We use beans in so many different dishes such as salads, soups, Mexican food, hummus and so much more. I recently got an amazing opportunity with the Michigan Bean Commission to go on a trip and learn all about Michigan Beans. I knew I had to go because of my love for beans!
I learned so much about beans! I learned that the thumb of Michigan is a huge producer of beans, especially black beans, navy and small red beans. I love this because that is where my parent's farm is that we are always visiting and I really didn't know how important bean growing was in Michigan.
We toured a bean farm learning about how beans are grown, we got to see how to make a variety of bean recipes, learned about bean nutrition, saw how beans are processed, etc. It was an amazing trip that just solidified my love for beans. Chef Amanda Leatherman from Grand Rapids, MI made a very similar arugula salad for us on the trip which reminded me of this salad.
Now let me talk about why we use beans in our home. The number one reason is probably convenience. Opening a can of canned beans is super quick and makes for quick meals which is amazing since we often don't have a ton of time to make a meal. Beans are also super affordable! As the price of meat has gone way up, I love that beans are still an affordable protein option. Another reason is that my family loves beans! My kids love any meal with beans and therefore, I make them a lot! The final reason is because beans are packed with nutrients! Especially protein and fiber.
**Visit the Michigan Bean Commission to learn more about beans and to get recipe ideas for how to cook with beans.
Lemon Feta Couscous Salad
Lemon Feta Couscous Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups cooked couscous
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups arugula
- 3/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook couscous and white beans according to instructions (or use canned white beans).
- Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, black pepper and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix together arugula, white beans, couscous, feta, basil, green onion and dressing.
- Tastes best if you let marinate for at least an hour or overnight. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This post is sponsored by the Michigan Bean Commission.
Comments