Giant Couscous with Blueberries, Hazelnuts, Feta & Preserved Lemons

This giant couscous salad with blueberries, hazelnuts, feta, and preserved lemons is one of my favorite vibrant dishes. It’s refreshing, colorful, and full of bold flavors. The couscous provides a hearty base, while the blueberries add bursts of sweetness, the hazelnuts bring crunch, and the preserved lemons give it a tangy kick. I love making this when I want something light yet satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I really like how this salad balances savory, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors all in one bite. The feta adds creaminess, the toasted hazelnuts add depth, and the parsley and spinach keep it fresh. It’s simple to put together but feels gourmet, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

300g giant couscous, cooked
2 big handfuls fresh baby spinach, washed
1/3 bunch fresh parsley, washed, leaves picked
50g blueberries, washed
2 preserved lemons, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
juice from 1 lemon
salt & pepper to taste
1 teaspoon mustard seeds, toasted & crushed
sea salt flakes, to taste

for the dressing:
a pinch of salt

to serve: 60g feta, crumbled, 3 tablespoons hazelnuts, chopped

Directions

1. I start by cooking the giant couscous according to the package instructions, then letting it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, I combine the couscous, spinach, parsley, blueberries, and preserved lemons.
3. In a small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and the crushed mustard seeds to make the dressing.
4. I pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss everything gently until well coated.
5. I season with salt, pepper, and sea salt flakes to taste.
6. Just before serving, I sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped hazelnuts on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook the couscous, so I can have it ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap blueberries for pomegranate seeds or blackberries. If I want more greens, I add arugula or kale. For extra protein, I toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas. I also like replacing hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts depending on what I have on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s best served cold or at room temperature, I don’t reheat it, but I give it a fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving again to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of giant couscous?

Yes, though the texture will be different. I prefer giant couscous for its chewiness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare it a few hours in advance and add the feta and hazelnuts just before serving.

What can I use instead of preserved lemons?

I sometimes use fresh lemon zest and juice for brightness if I don’t have preserved lemons.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, I simply leave out the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Do I need to toast the hazelnuts?

I like toasting them because it deepens the flavor, but raw hazelnuts also work.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

I prefer fresh blueberries, but thawed frozen ones can work in a pinch.

How do I keep the spinach from wilting?

I add the dressing just before serving so the greens stay fresh.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas go really well with it.

Can I use another herb instead of parsley?

Yes, mint or basil both give a fresh twist.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge, though I like to add the hazelnuts right before eating to keep them crunchy.

Conclusion

I love making this giant couscous with blueberries, hazelnuts, feta, and preserved lemons because it’s fresh, colorful, and full of contrasting flavors. The mix of chewy couscous, creamy feta, sweet fruit, and tangy preserved lemon makes every bite exciting. It’s a versatile dish that feels both light and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.

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