Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables Recipe

This Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables recipe combines fluffy couscous with smoky charred vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon dressing for a vibrant and satisfying dish. Featured on Maddie and Kiki BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe from Maddie and Kiki Longo delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors that are perfect for BBQ spreads, light meals, and summer entertaining.

The Inspiration

Grilled vegetables are a staple of outdoor cooking, bringing out natural sweetness and adding smoky depth to even the simplest ingredients. This recipe takes that concept and pairs it with couscous, a quick-cooking grain that absorbs flavor beautifully, creating a dish that is both hearty and refreshing.

On Maddie and Kiki BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo highlight recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and bold flavors without unnecessary complexity. This salad reflects that philosophy, combining rustic grilling techniques with bright Mediterranean elements like olives, capers, fresh herbs, and citrus.

The mix of textures is what makes this dish especially appealing. Tender couscous contrasts with slightly crisp grilled vegetables, while olives and capers add bursts of briny flavor. Fresh basil and lemon juice lift the entire dish, making it feel light yet satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well as a BBQ side as it does as a standalone meal.

Ingredients

1 small red onion, cut into 4 wedges
2 medium sized zucchinis, cut lengthwise into 4 wedges
2 leeks, (white and pale green parts only) halved lengthwise and widthwise
1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
¼ cup olive oil plus ¼ cup of olive oil, divided
3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp of chopped fresh thyme
2 tbsp of chopped fresh rosemary
2 tbsp of chopped fresh oregano
1 ½ cups of couscous
2 cups of water
1 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup of drained capers
¼ cup of thinly sliced fresh basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Methods

Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
In a mixing bowl, toss the vegetable wedges with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary and oregano.
Season with salt and pepper.
Be delicate when tossing the leeks so that they don’t fall apart. Let the vegetables marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Oil the grill on the barbecue.
Place the large vegetable wedges on the grill.
Cook and char for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly charred but still somewhat firm.
Place them back on the tray and let them cool.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
Place the dry couscous in a bowl.
Pour the boiling water over top and cover in plastic wrap.
Leave to sit for 5-6 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop the grilled vegetables up into bite sized pieces.
When the couscous is ready, stir to fluff it up and mix in the vegetables.
Add the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, olives, capers and basil and mix.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This couscous salad with grilled vegetables is a versatile dish that works beautifully for a variety of occasions, from backyard barbecues to light lunches and meal prep. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or steak, as well as seafood such as grilled shrimp or fish, offering a fresh and tangy contrast to smoky, rich flavors.

For a fully plant-based spread, serve it alongside hummus, grilled flatbread, roasted vegetables, and dips for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Its hearty texture also makes it suitable as a standalone meal, especially when served slightly chilled on warm days.

For entertaining, present it in a large serving bowl or platter with extra fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finish. Pair with refreshing beverages like iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This dish holds well, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Final Thoughts

This Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables recipe is a perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and vibrant flavors. Featured on Maddie and Kiki BBQ Barn Season 2 with Maddie and Kiki Longo, it showcases how simple grilling techniques can transform everyday vegetables into something truly special.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!