Southwest Cilantro Lime Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous gets loaded with black beans, corn, and a sharp cilantro lime dressing for a side that eats like a meal.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 15 · Total: 25 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (166 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
I wanted a picnic-friendly side that feels like something you would grab on a road trip, bright, filling, and not fussy.
Story
This salad has big road-trip energy, the kind of thing you scoop into a clamshell and crush in the parking lot. Lime and cumin do the heavy lifting, beans bring the muscle, and couscous keeps it fast. It is equally at home next to burgers or piled into a tortilla like a sneaky burrito bowl. Make it once and you will start keeping couscous in the pantry on purpose.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water or broth
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, thawed frozen or canned
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the couscous: Put couscous and salt in a bowl. Pour over boiling water, cover, and let stand 5 minutes.
- Fluff: Uncover and fluff with a fork, then spread on a plate for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder.
- Add the goods: Stir in black beans, corn, bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
- Toss it up: Add couscous and toss until everything is glossy and evenly dressed.
- Taste and serve: Adjust salt and lime, then serve right away or chill 30 minutes for a colder, punchier salad.
Chef Tips
- Couscous cooks by steaming, keep the bowl covered the full 5 minutes.
- For extra zip, add a pinch of lime zest or a splash of vinegar.
- This holds up well for lunch boxes, keep it chilled.
- Top with avocado or crumbled feta if you want it extra loaded.
Cook's Notes
- **Cooling tip:** Spread couscous out briefly so it does not clump when you toss it.
- **Heat level:** Jalapeño is optional, add it if you like a little kick.
- **Serving move:** Spoon over chopped romaine for an instant salad base.