Jenna Ewing

Super Chef & Mom

I’m Jenna, a busy mom who finds joy in the kitchen and loves sharing simple, family-friendly recipes made for real life. My goal is to make everyday meals feel approachable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

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Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Pancetta

Salads

Caprese Couscous Salad

January 8, 2026

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cooking Time

15 minutes

Servings

A fresh, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic Caprese salad! This dish combines fluffy couscous with a mix of juicy fresh and roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil — all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with flavor, and makes the perfect side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This recipe takes everything you love about a traditional Caprese — tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic — and gives it more substance with fluffy couscous. Roasting half of the tomatoes adds a caramelized sweetness that balances beautifully with the freshness of raw cherry tomatoes. The result is a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing, simple yet impressive enough for guests.

It’s also incredibly versatile: serve it warm, chilled, or room temperature, and pair it with grilled meats, seafood, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish.

Equipment

Baking sheet (for roasting tomatoes)
Large mixing bowl
Whisk (for dressing)
Knife & cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients

Salad

½ tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (use half fresh, roast the other half until they burst)
½ shallot, chopped
Salt, pepper & chili flakes (to taste)
½ lb cooked couscous
1 cup mozzarella balls (marinated, if available)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Dressing

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the tomatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss half of the cherry tomatoes with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10–15 minutes, until softened and slightly blistered.
Step 2: Prepare the couscous base
Cook couscous according to package directions, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl
Step 3: Add the mix-ins
To the couscous, add the roasted tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped shallot, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil.
Step 4: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
Step 5: Toss the salad
Pour dressing over the couscous mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately for a warm salad, or chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Special Notes

🍅 Tomato Hack – Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for beautiful color and presentation.
🧄 Extra Flavor – Add a clove of roasted garlic to the dressing for extra depth.
🌱 Make Ahead – Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, add fresh basil just before serving so it stays vibrant.
🧀 Cheese Options – Try crumbled feta or shaved parmesan if mozzarella isn’t available.
🥒 Add Crunch – Mix in cucumbers or pine nuts for extra texture.

Serving Ideas

Summer BBQ Side: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood.
Vegetarian Main: Serve as a light entrée with a side of garlic bread.
Meal Prep Lunch: Store in containers for quick weekday meals.
Potluck Dish: A colorful, crowd-pleasing salad for gatherings.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the salad up to 2 days in advance, reserving basil until just before serving.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Serve: Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving – approximate, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 310
Protein: 11g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Net Carbs: 25g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on couscous type and cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pearl couscous instead of regular?

Yes — pearl couscous adds a chewy texture that works beautifully in this salad.

Do I have to roast the tomatoes?

Not at all. You can use all fresh tomatoes for a brighter, lighter flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — simply omit the mozzarella or swap it for a dairy-free alternative.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

Red wine vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted, though the flavor will be less sweet and rich.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Couscous Salad is everything you want in a side dish — light, flavorful, and effortless to make. With roasted and fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a simple balsamic dressing, it’s a dish you’ll want to serve all summer long.

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