Dinner

Toasted Couscous Tomato Salad Recipe

ByBen Miller December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

Introduction

This Toasted Couscous Tomato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines caramelized cherry tomatoes, nutty toasted couscous, and a sweet honey vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a delicious side for dinner gatherings.

The image shows a white round bowl filled with a dish made of small round grains mixed with whole roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh green herbs scattered on top, and thin shavings of white cheese spread evenly over the dish. The bowl sits on a wooden surface surrounded by slices of toasted bread and some green herbs. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Canola Oil
1/3 cup White Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons Honey
2 teaspoons Shallot
1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 cup Israeli Couscous
1 1/2 cups Water
1/3 cup Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley
1 ounce Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a clean jar, combine canola oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, shallot, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cover with the lid and shake well until fully blended. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 3: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
Step 4: Roast the tomatoes in the oven until they burst and caramelize, about 15 minutes.
Step 5: While the tomatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add Israeli couscous and cook, stirring continuously, until the couscous turns golden and smells toasty, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Transfer the cooked couscous to a serving bowl. Add the prepared honey vinaigrette and toss to coat evenly.
Step 8: Gently stir in the roasted tomatoes and chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley.
Step 9: Top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and serve it warm. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Toasted Couscous Tomato Salad!

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the couscous a little longer but be careful not to burn it.
Add fresh basil or mint for extra herbal brightness.
Use red wine vinegar instead of white balsamic vinegar for a sharper tang.
Include toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad. The roasted tomatoes and vinaigrette may make the couscous absorb more liquid over time, so stir before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a dish that has three visible layers: the bottom layer is small brown couscous grains, mixed with bright red roasted cherry tomatoes that are slightly wrinkled. On top, there are thin, uneven pale yellow cheese shavings scattered all over. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding spots of fresh green color. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl on the left side, and the bowl sits on a wooden surface with some slices of toasted bread around it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of Israeli couscous?

Yes, regular couscous can be used, but it has a finer texture and shorter cooking time. Toasting may also be quicker, so watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad holds up well in the fridge and the flavors develop even more after a few hours. Keep the cheese separate until ready to serve for best texture.