Quick & Easy Vegan Couscous Salad: Gut-Healthy & Protein-Packed

há 2 semanas

Are you searching for a deliciously simple and nutritious meal that supports your gut health? This quick and easy vegan couscous salad is exactly what you need! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or a light and satisfying dinner, it combines fluffy couscous with fresh vegetables, a tangy dressing, and a powerhouse of probiotics and plant-based protein. As one enthusiastic fan commented, "Yum! Plate looks delicious 😋🌱🥗" – and it truly is!

This recipe is designed for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring healthy eating options. It's naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free with a simple swap. Enjoy a vibrant dish that not only tastes incredible but also makes you feel great from the inside out.

Freshly prepared Vegan Couscous Salad with a burger patty, kraut, and fresh vegetables

What Makes This Salad So Special?

What sets this couscous salad apart is its focus on gut health and robust flavor. The inclusion of fermented foods like kraut or kimchi provides a daily dose of beneficial probiotics, essential for a thriving digestive system and even contributing to healthy skin. Paired with a protein-rich vegan burger patty, this salad becomes a complete, wholesome meal that keeps you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 cup vegetable broth or hot water
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional, for extra zest)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup kraut or kimchi (such as Twiins Ferments, for probiotics)
1 vegan burger patty (such as Herbivohr Skinny Burger)
Optional: A handful of fresh salad greens (like baby spinach) for serving

Equipment

Medium bowl
Small saucepan (or kettle for hot water)
Frying pan or grill for burger patty
Cutting board
Knife

Instructions

Prepare the Couscous: Place couscous in a medium bowl. Bring vegetable broth or water to a boil, then pour it over the couscous. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plate and let it sit for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
Cook the Burger Patty: While the couscous is resting, cook the vegan burger patty according to package directions in a frying pan or on a grill. Once cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Chop Vegetables: While the couscous and patty are cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion (if using), and fresh parsley.
Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped vegetables and parsley to the fluffed couscous.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Combine & Serve: Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetables, tossing gently to combine. Stir in the kraut or kimchi. Serve the couscous salad with the sliced vegan burger patty on top. For an extra fresh touch, serve over a bed of baby spinach.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Easily swap traditional couscous for a quinoa or rice-based alternative to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
Protein Boost: Instead of a burger patty, try adding roasted chickpeas, cubed firm tofu, or tempeh for varied textures and flavors.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chilli oil for a fiery kick.
Vary Your Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, grated carrots, or corn.
Different Ferments: Experiment with different types of kraut or even pickled vegetables for a diverse probiotic profile.

Tips & Hacks

Perfect Couscous Every Time: For extra flavorful couscous, toast it lightly in a dry pan for a minute before adding hot broth. This adds a nutty depth.
Meal Prep Power: Prepare a larger batch of the couscous salad base (without the kraut/kimchi or burger) and store it in the fridge. Add your fermented food and freshly cooked protein just before serving to maintain optimal texture and probiotic benefits.
Dress It Up: Make a larger batch of the lemon-olive oil dressing and store it in a jar for quick salads throughout the week.

Ready to nourish your body and delight your taste buds? Give this Gut-Healthy & Protein-Packed Vegan Couscous Salad a try! We'd love to hear how it turned out for you – share your creations and tag abillion on social media!