Summer Couscous Salad with Peaches, Corn & Fresh Herbs (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)
My Favorite Summer Salad – Fresh, Easy & Perfect for Hot Days
When the temperatures climb and the last thing I want to do is heat up the kitchen, this is the meal I make over and over again. It’s fresh, colorful, incredibly versatile, and comes together in about 20 minutes with simple seasonal ingredients.
I love that you can make it as a hearty couscous salad or simply enjoy the dressed vegetables and fruit on their own for an even lighter meal. It’s one of those recipes that changes with whatever is fresh in your garden, at the farmers market, or already in your refrigerator.
Sweet peaches or nectarines, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, something crunchy – seeds or nuts, and a bright lemon dressing make every bite taste like summer.
Whether you’re serving it for lunch on the patio, packing it for a picnic, or bringing it to a barbecue, this salad is always a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- No oven required
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customized with seasonal produce
- Naturally vegetarian (use vegetable broth)
- Delicious with or without couscous
Easy Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try mixing and matching with whatever is in season.
Fruits
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Apples
- Pears
- Mango
Vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Snap peas
- Radishes
- Roasted asparagus
Herbs
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
Crunchy Toppings
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Sliced almonds
- Pistachios
Add Protein
Turn this into a complete meal by adding:
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Chickpeas
- White beans
- Grilled steak
- Rotisserie chicken
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Add the avocado just before eating for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? – Yes. Prepare the couscous, chop the vegetables, and whisk together the dressing up to a day ahead. Store everything separately and combine just before serving.
Can I skip the couscous? – Absolutely. The salad is just as delicious on its own and makes a refreshing low-carb meal.
What other grains work well? – Quinoa, farro, bulgur, pearl couscous, or brown rice are all wonderful substitutions.
Can I use frozen corn? – Yes. Simply thaw it first, or quickly sauté it for a few minutes if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegetarian? – Yes, when made with vegetable broth.
What herbs taste best? – Fresh basil, mint, and parsley are my favorite combination because they make the salad taste bright, fresh, and perfect for summer.
What can I serve with this salad? – It pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, sandwiches, or fresh crusty bread. It’s also perfect as a light lunch all by itself.
Summer Couscous Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the couscous, dried fruit, cumin, salt and pepper. On the stove over medium heat, add the broth to a saucepan and heat it to just before boiling. Pour the warm broth over the couscous mixture in the bowl, stir it, cover with cling wrap, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
- While the couscous rests, chop the vegetables, fruit, herbs, and crunchy toppings. Place everything into a large serving bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour over the salad and toss gently.
- You have two delicious options:Toss the cooled couscous directly into the salad for one large family style dish.My favorite way: spoon couscous into the bottom of each serving bowl, then top with the dressed salad. This keeps everything fresh and lets everyone choose how much couscous the would like.
Final Thoughts
Some recipes become part of every summer simply because they’re easy, dependable, and everyone loves them. This is one of those recipes in our house.
I especially love making it after a trip to the farmers market or harvesting herbs from the garden. Every bowl is a little different depending on what’s in season, which makes it a recipe you’ll never get tired of.
If you make this Summer Couscous Salad, I’d love to hear how you customized it! Did you add different fruits, herbs, or a favorite protein? Leave a comment below and share your favorite summer combination.
More Summer Favorites You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying fresh summer recipes and making the most of the season, here are a few more Living Layered favorites:
- Preserve Your Garden Harvest – Have extra herbs, vegetables, or fruit? Learn the best ways to freeze and preserve your harvest so you can enjoy it all year long.
- Healthy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes – Cool off with nine easy homemade ice cream recipes made with real ingredients. They’re family favorites and perfect after a summer dinner.
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