Zesty Shrimp and Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs
This vibrant Zesty Shrimp and Couscous Salad combines tender shrimp with fluffy couscous, bright bell peppers, and a medley of fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for warm weather, this dish is refreshing, satisfying, and can be served as a light main course or a side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy it chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for picnics, barbecues, or weekday lunches. With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
N/A
Servings
137
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (for couscous)
couscous
3/4 cup (uncooked)
water
1 1/2 quarts (for cooking shrimp)
shrimp
1 1/4 lbs (medium, unpeeled)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon peel
2 teaspoons (grated)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Add the couscous and stir well. Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous absorbs all the water. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside to cool.
2
In a larger pot, bring 1 ½ quarts of water to a boil. Add the unpeeled shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately drain the shrimp and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
Once cooled, peel and devein the shrimp, then chop them coarsely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chopped shrimp, and red bell pepper.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh parsley, basil, green onions, lemon peel, lemon juice, olive oil, ground allspice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
6
Pour the dressing over the couscous and shrimp mixture, and toss gently until everything is well-coated and mixed evenly.
7
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Shrimp and Couscous Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining tender shrimp, fluffy couscous, bright red bell peppers, and a medley of fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
How many calories are in this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 137 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe contains 11g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the Zesty Shrimp and Couscous Salad?
The salad contains 3g of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the couscous for this recipe?
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, stir in 3/4 cup of uncooked couscous, remove from heat, cover for 5 minutes, and then fluff with a fork.
How long should I cook the shrimp?
The unpeeled shrimp should be boiled for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Should I peel the shrimp before boiling them?
No, the recipe instructions specify boiling the shrimp unpeeled and then peeling and deveining them after they have cooled.
How do I stop the shrimp from overcooking?
Immediately drain the shrimp after boiling and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What kind of bell pepper is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
What fresh herbs are included in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
What ingredients make up the zesty dressing?
The dressing consists of parsley, basil, green onions, lemon peel, lemon juice, olive oil, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This dish is best served cold, making it ideal for warm weather or picnics.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/4 lbs of medium, unpeeled shrimp.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What unique spice is added to the seasoning?
1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice is used to season the salad.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions.
How much lemon juice is used?
You should use 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is there lemon zest in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead meal as it needs to chill and the flavors improve over time.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Shrimp and Couscous Salad?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Should the shrimp be chopped?
Yes, after peeling and deveining the cooked shrimp, they should be chopped coarsely.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Common tags include salad, shrimp, couscous, healthy, light meal, summer recipe, and seafood.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a light main course or as a side dish.
How do I ensure the salad is well-seasoned?
Before serving, taste the chilled salad and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
What is the texture of the couscous in this salad?
The couscous should be fluffy after being steamed and then cooled.
How much water is needed to cook the couscous?
You need 1 cup of water for the 3/4 cup of uncooked couscous.
How much water is needed to boil the shrimp?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 quarts of water to boil the shrimp.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with only 3g of fat and fresh ingredients, it is tagged as a healthy and light meal.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, grated lemon peel, and fresh herbs creates its signature zesty flavor profile.