Couscous Salad with Almonds, Cherries, and Lavender

Sweet cherries, toasted almonds, peppery arugula, fresh mint, and fragrant lavender come together in this Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender. Light yet satisfying, this sweet and savoury couscous salad combines fresh summer produce with subtle floral notes for a unique dish that’s equally suited for lunch, picnics, or entertaining.

Jump to Recipe

Hey, folks — I hope you’re all doing well! Today, I’m sharing another way to enjoy lavender in a savoury recipe. While lavender is often associated with desserts and drinks, it can work beautifully in grain-based dishes when used carefully. Combined with juicy cherries, crunchy almonds, and fluffy couscous, it creates a refreshing summer salad that’s both elegant and surprisingly approachable. So, let’s dive into this Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender.

But Wait…Lavender and Couscous?! Cooking with Lavender

The combination of couscous and lavender may sound a little strange. But it is not.

I have already quoted on a few occasions the book “Cooking with Lavender” by Nancy Baggett. This is the only book I have tried multiple recipes from and shared the results here. Perhaps, the best part of this book for me is the section about pairings. Before this book, I was not aware that lavender goes well with so many savoury ingredients.

• It pairs well with tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Nuts and lavender are also a great pairing.
• It goes well with pasta, couscous and rice. Really, with all carbs, I think.
• Next, potatoes are excellent pairing, too.
• Chickpeas are another great pairing.
• And say what? Even with corn.
• Certainly, meat.
• And also with watermelons and melons.

Why You’ll Love This Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender

This cherry almond couscous salad offers a refreshing twist on classic summer salads.

• Unique: Lavender adds a subtle floral note that makes the salad memorable.
• Balanced: Sweet cherries contrast beautifully with savoury ingredients.
• Refreshing: Arugula and mint keep the flavours bright and lively.
• Easy: Fine couscous cooks in only a few minutes.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, lunch, picnic salad, or light dinner.

What Makes This Almond Cherry Couscous Salad Different?

Unlike many lavender recipes where the floral flavour appears primarily in a syrup or dressing, this salad infuses the lavender directly into the couscous while it hydrates.

As a result, the floral aroma becomes integrated throughout the dish rather than sitting only on the surface. Combined with sweet cherries, crunchy almonds, peppery greens, and fresh mint, the result is a sweet and savoury couscous salad that feels elegant yet easy to enjoy.

Additionally, the recipe requires very little dressing, allowing the fresh ingredients to remain the focus.

Fine Couscous vs Pearl Couscous

Although both are called couscous, they differ significantly in texture and preparation.

• Fine Moroccan Couscous: Small granules that hydrate quickly with hot liquid and produce a light, fluffy texture.
• Pearl (Israeli) Couscous: Larger pasta-like pearls with a chewier texture.
• Fine Couscous: Ideal for lighter salads where delicate ingredients are featured.
• Pearl Couscous: Better suited for heartier grain salads.
• Cooking Method: Fine couscous is usually hydrated, while pearl couscous is generally simmered like pasta.

For this recipe, fine couscous works especially well because its delicate texture allows the cherries, almonds, and lavender to shine.

How to Cook Fine Couscous for Salads

A few simple techniques can help produce better couscous salads.

• Use approximately a 1:1 liquid-to-couscous ratio.
• Add olive oil before hydrating to help keep the grains separate.
• Cover while resting to trap steam.
• Allow about 5 minutes for hydration.
• Fluff thoroughly with a fork.
• For salads, slightly drier couscous is usually preferable.
• Cool completely before adding fruit and greens.

The goal is fluffy, separate grains rather than soft or sticky couscous.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender

This summer almond cherry salad with lavender comes together with a handful of simple ingredients.

• Fine Couscous: Creates the fluffy base of the salad.
• Lavender: Adds the signature floral note.
• Cherries: Provide sweetness and juiciness.
• Almonds: Bring crunch and nuttiness.
• Arugula: Adds freshness and gentle peppery flavour.
• Mint: Brightens the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps flavour and hydrate the couscous.

I did not use any dressing, except a little extra drizzle of oil, because this cherry couscous salad is already juicy to my liking. But you are welcome to add more olive oil or even a drizzle of orange or lemon.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this lavender couscous salad with cherries and almonds is already delicious, there are many ways to customize it.

• Goat Cheese: Adds tanginess and richness.
• Feta: Creates a more savoury profile.
• Pistachios: Replace some or all of the almonds.
• Blueberries: Pair beautifully with cherries.
• Spinach: Substitute for arugula.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds extra depth.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavour profile.

Can I Make This Couscous Salad Ahead?

Yes. In fact, this is an excellent make-ahead salad.

The couscous can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance. Once cooled, simply refrigerate until needed. The almonds can also be toasted ahead of time.

For the freshest texture, add the arugula and mint shortly before serving.

How to Make Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender

Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Meanwhile, place the couscous, lavender, and salt in a bowl. Pour over the boiling water and olive oil, stir once, cover, and allow the couscous to hydrate for about 5 minutes. Fluff thoroughly with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.

Combine the couscous with the toasted almonds, cherries, arugula, and mint. Toss gently to combine. If desired, add a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or both before serving. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this Couscous Salad with Cherries and Lavender? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Couscous Salad with Apricots, Lavender, and Pine Nuts
• Cherry Pearl Couscous Salad with Lavender Maple Dressing
• Apricot Pistachio Couscous Salad with Mint and Cucumber
• Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Mint and Pistachios
• Blueberry Couscous Salad with Almonds and Mint

I’d love for you to try this couscous salad with almonds, cherries, and lavender. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!