Recreate Panera’s Iconic Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Salad: The Ultimate Homemade Copycat Recipe with Zesty Greek Dressing

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This is truly the best Mediterranean Salad recipe you’ll ever make. It’s a fantastic copycat of the beloved Panera Bread Mediterranean Couscous Salad, featuring a harmonious blend of crisp romaine lettuce, succulent shrimp, delightfully chewy pearl couscous, sweet and vibrant peppers, salty crumbled feta, and an incredible homemade Greek Dressing that ties all the flavors together. Prepare to impress your guests and delight your family with this light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying summer dish.

We are passionate about recreating our restaurant favorites right in our own kitchen. Dishes like the Panera Bread Frontega Chicken Panini Sandwich and their Cobb Salad with Green Goddess Dressing are not only achievable but often taste even better when made at home, and for a fraction of the cost. This Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Salad is a prime example. It’s a vibrant, leafy green salad enhanced with the delightful chewiness of pearl couscous and the lean protein of shrimp. The star, beyond the fresh ingredients, is the unique texture that pearl couscous brings to the table.

While often confused with its smaller, fluffier Moroccan counterpart, pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is actually a type of pasta made from durum wheat. Its larger, spherical beads offer a distinct al dente bite and a subtle nutty flavor that transforms a simple salad into a truly gourmet experience. Unlike its finer cousins, pearl couscous adds a substantial, satisfying chewiness that pairs perfectly with crisp greens, making this salad both light and filling. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and cooks in just a few minutes, making it a convenient addition to your meal prep routine.

The Story Behind Panera’s Mediterranean Salad Copycat

Many years ago, Panera Bread offered a truly exceptional Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Salad that became a fan favorite. It was a significant disappointment for many when it was removed from their menu. This salad was a beautifully chopped, leafy green masterpiece, brimming with the bold, fresh flavors characteristic of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The cold, chewy pearl couscous provided a wonderful textural contrast to the tender greens, while the addition of perfectly cooked shrimp kept it light and incredibly refreshing. The secret weapon, as with all great Panera salads, was their signature Greek dressing – a zesty, herbaceous vinaigrette that elevated every bite.

This salad was a delightful medley, essentially “Mediterranean Greens with Grains” – the “grains” being those delightful chewy pasta beads made from durum wheat, or semolina flour. Our copycat version meticulously recreates that experience, from the vibrant ingredients to the exact flavor profile of that unforgettable dressing. In fact, our homemade Greek dressing is so authentic, you can use it not only for this salad but also for all your other favorite Greek-inspired dishes, just like Panera uses it in their Mediterranean Greens with Grains salad. Now, you can enjoy this incredible flavor right in your own home, whenever the craving strikes! Our entire family, including the kids, absolutely adored this Mediterranean Salad, proving that a fancy-looking dish doesn’t have to be difficult to make.

Watch How to Make Mediterranean Salad!

Essential Mediterranean Salad Ingredients: Elevate Your Dish with Freshness

This simple Greek Mediterranean salad bursts with incredible flavor, thanks to its carefully selected, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Romaine Lettuce: The crisp, refreshing base for our salad. We recommend using one large head or two smaller ones to ensure plenty of fresh, leafy greens. Romaine’s sturdy texture holds up beautifully to the dressing and other ingredients.
• Medium-Sized Cooked Shrimp: For convenience, use thawed, pre-cooked shrimp. If you prefer, you can also boil raw shrimp yourself. When buying raw, opt for larger shrimp, as they tend to shrink slightly during cooking, ensuring a satisfying bite. Shrimp adds a lean, delicious protein that makes this salad hearty yet light.
• Red Onion: Half a thinly sliced onion provides a delightful pungent crunch. While red onions are traditional and offer a beautiful color, yellow onions can be used in a pinch. For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Essential for that authentic Mediterranean tang and creamy texture. Its salty, briny notes are a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
• Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous): This is key to the unique texture of this salad. Cook it according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. You can prepare the couscous several days in advance and keep it refrigerated, making assembly quick and easy. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture are unparalleled.
• Pitted Kalamata Olives: These dark purple olives are renowned for their rich, fruity, and slightly salty flavor with a distinct meaty texture. They are an absolute must for an authentic Mediterranean taste. Ensure they are pitted for ease of eating.
• Sweet Red Bell Peppers: These add a lovely sweetness, vibrant color, and a gentle crunch. For an extra layer of flavor and convenience, jarred roasted red bell peppers are an excellent choice. If you prefer a more zesty or slightly piquant kick, consider adding a teaspoon or two of mild Peppadew peppers or even a few sweet cherry peppers, finely chopped.
• Homemade Greek Salad Dressing: This zesty, tangy, and herb-packed dressing is the heart of the salad. It’s incredibly flavorful and easy to whisk together. For a super quick alternative, we also recommend this favorite store-bought dressing in a pinch.

Chef’s Note: We’ve experimented with various peppers, from roasted bell peppers to spicier Calabrese (sweet cherry) peppers. While roasted bell peppers offer a mild sweetness, the sweet cherry or Peppadew peppers can introduce a delightful “zippy” element. Adjust the quantity to your preference – a teaspoon of finely chopped zesty peppers can transform the flavor profile!

How To Make Pearl Couscous Perfectly

Pearl couscous, often called Israeli couscous, is a delightful, small, spherical pasta with a satisfyingly chewy texture. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and cooks in mere minutes on the stovetop. For this salad, we want it perfectly cooked, then chilled, to provide a wonderful contrast to the fresh greens. Always refer to your package instructions, but here’s a general guide for preparing it:

• Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of uncooked pearl couscous (no need to wash or rinse before cooking).
• Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes, or until the couscous is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Immediately drain the cooked couscous in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This crucial step stops the cooking process and prevents the couscous from clumping.
• Toss the rinsed couscous with one teaspoon of olive oil. This adds a subtle flavor and keeps the beads from sticking together.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Pearl couscous can be prepped days in advance, making meal assembly a breeze.

How To Make the Zesty Mediterranean Salad Dressing

This homemade Greek salad dressing is incredibly quick to assemble and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. All you need is a pint-sized mason jar and a good shake to emulsify this delicious vinaigrette. It’s light, healthy, and packed with an aromatic blend of Mediterranean herbs and tangy notes.

• Gather your vinaigrette ingredients: a blend of avocado oil (or another neutral-flavored oil) and extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Combine all of these ingredients in a pint-sized mason jar. The specific blend of oils is important here; we found that using only extra virgin olive oil can sometimes overpower the delicate flavors of the salad, so a neutral oil helps create a perfectly balanced dressing.
• Securely cover the jar with its lid and shake vigorously for at least 30-60 seconds until the dressing is fully emulsified and all ingredients are well combined. You’ll see it transform into a creamy, cohesive vinaigrette.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. We think this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors right from the start!

Pro Tip: This dressing makes a generous amount, which is fantastic for meal prep! Always give it a good shake before drizzling over salads. Any leftovers store beautifully in the fridge and are perfect for marinating chicken or fish, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or simply dipping crusty bread.

How to Assemble Your Mediterranean Salad with Couscous and Shrimp

This Mediterranean shrimp couscous salad is designed to impress with its rich flavors and appealing textures! It’s protein-packed, delightfully chewy, and infused with the bright, zesty notes of our Greek dressing. The best part? Preparing the pearl couscous and thawing the shrimp takes minimal effort, making assembly quick and enjoyable.

1. Prepare the Pearl Couscous: Cook the pearl couscous according to the package instructions as outlined above. Ensure it’s drained, rinsed with cold water, and lightly tossed with olive oil. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen cooked shrimp, make sure it’s fully thawed. Gently drain any excess liquid and pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the dressing adhere better and prevents a watery salad. If using raw shrimp, cook it quickly (e.g., boil for 2-3 minutes) and chill before adding.
3. Prepare the Lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Wash the chopped lettuce thoroughly and spin it dry using a salad spinner. Removing excess water is crucial for a crisp salad that isn’t diluted by the dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad Base: Place the dry, chopped romaine lettuce into a large mixing bowl. This will be the foundation for your vibrant salad.
5. Add the Toppings: Evenly distribute the chilled pearl couscous, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives, prepared shrimp, and roasted sweet bell peppers over the bed of lettuce. Arrange them artfully for a visually appealing presentation.
6. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the homemade Greek dressing generously over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated. This dressing recipe yields enough for approximately four individual salads, so you can portion it out or save some for later in the week.

Pro Salad Tip: For that authentic “chopped salad” experience, instead of simply slicing, chop your lettuce using a criss-cross motion. This technique creates uneven, rustic pieces that give the salad a more homemade, torn look and ensures a varied texture in every bite, unlike uniformly cut pieces.

Mediterranean Salad Ideas and Variations: Customize Your Plate

While we believe this Mediterranean salad recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these easy swaps and substitutions to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Alternative Grains: For a different chewy texture and added whole grain benefits, consider replacing pearl couscous with farro, orzo pasta, quinoa, or even brown rice. Adding diverse whole grains makes the salad even healthier and more satisfying.
• Leafy Green Boost: Amp up the crunch and nutritional value by incorporating or substituting a portion of the romaine lettuce with finely chopped kale, spinach, or shredded cabbage.
• Protein Power: Easily change the protein to suit your preferences. Swap the shrimp for perfectly grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a vegetarian option like seasoned chickpeas, lentils, crumbled tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs.
• Pepper Preferences: Jarred roasted bell peppers offer a mild sweetness. If you’re looking for a more tart or zesty kick, substitute them with pickled sweet cherry peppers or Peppadew peppers. The difference in flavor profiles can significantly change the salad’s character.
• Chopped Veggie Extravaganza: If you’re short on lettuce, you can still create a fantastic meal! Load up on an array of chopped vegetables like crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it a vibrant couscous salad with chopped veggies, and then add your chosen protein.
• Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds can add another layer of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips for Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is an ideal candidate for meal prepping and making ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weekdays or entertaining! Thoughtful preparation can save you a lot of time and ensure you have a delicious, healthy meal ready to go.

• Pearl Couscous: The cooked pearl couscous stores exceptionally well. After preparing it as instructed, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four to five days, ready to be added to your salads.
• Lettuce Prep: To minimize day-of assembly, wash and spin-dry your romaine lettuce a day or two in advance. Store the chopped and completely dry lettuce in a gallon-sized storage bag with a damp paper towel. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. This method keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh for up to two days, making it ready for immediate use.
• Salad Dressing: The homemade Greek dressing is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it as directed and store it in its sealed mason jar in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time. Remember to give it a good shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
• Toppings: Most of the other toppings, such as pitted Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and jarred roasted peppers, are already shelf-stable or store well in the fridge once opened. Your thawed cooked shrimp can also be prepped a day in advance. This makes the final assembly a matter of simply combining pre-prepared components.

Having these components ready means you can quickly throw together a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean salad anytime hunger strikes, even when fresh ingredients like certain peppers might be out of season or you need a quick protein fix.