10+ Couscous Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals

Couscous is a versatile grain that can enhance any meal with its light, fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors. This article will explore various couscous recipes that are easy to make and delicious to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a vibrant salad, couscous can be a delightful addition to your table.

You can easily customize couscous with different ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and dressings. It pairs well with many flavors and cuisines, making it a great choice for any occasion. Get ready to discover some tasty ways to elevate this simple grain in your cooking!

1) Traditional Couscous with Seven Vegetables

Traditional couscous with seven vegetables is a delicious and healthy dish. This recipe is popular in Moroccan cuisine. It combines fluffy couscous with a variety of fresh vegetables, making it colorful and tasty.

You can use vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add chickpeas for protein and flavor. It’s often served with lamb or chicken for a hearty meal.

The cooking process is simple. You start by steaming the couscous, then prepare the vegetables in a savory broth. The dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Add salt and pepper as needed.
6. Stir in couscous. Cover and remove from heat.
7. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Serve warm.

2) Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a refreshing dish that brightens up any meal. It combines the lightness of couscous with the vibrant flavors of lemon and fresh herbs. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make.

Start with cooking the couscous according to the package instructions. Once it’s fluffy, mix in some diced cucumber and chopped scallions. Adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil will enhance the taste even more.

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice on top for a zesty finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry couscous
• 1 mini cucumber, chopped
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the couscous according to package directions.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
3. Combine couscous, cucumber, scallions, dill, and parsley in a bowl.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.

3) Mediterranean Garlic Pearl Couscous

Mediterranean Garlic Pearl Couscous is a tasty side dish you can make quickly. It is fluffy and has a wonderful garlic flavor that pairs well with many meals. This dish combines the nuttiness of pearl couscous with fresh herbs and lemon for added zing.

To start, you will need a few simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in pearl couscous and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until cooked.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

4) Couscous with Minted Yogurt Dressing

Couscous with minted yogurt dressing is a refreshing dish that brings together great flavors. The light and creamy yogurt complements the fluffy couscous perfectly. You’ll enjoy this simple recipe.

You will need couscous, yogurt, and fresh mint. This dish works well as a side or a light meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare!

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, add couscous and pour boiling water over it. Cover for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork.
3. In another bowl, mix yogurt, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve the couscous topped with the minted yogurt dressing. Enjoy!

5) Spicy Moroccan Couscous

Spicy Moroccan couscous is a flavorful dish that brings warmth and excitement to your table. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare.

Start by cooking couscous according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat some olive oil, then add chopped onions, garlic, and your choice of spices like cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.

Once the vegetables are soft, mix in cooked chickpeas and some diced bell peppers for crunch. Stir everything together, adding vegetable broth for moisture.

Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, then mix in the couscous. For a final touch, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro or parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook couscous as per package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and cayenne.
5. Add chickpeas and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
6. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer.
7. Mix in cooked couscous and garnish with herbs.

6) Couscous-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Couscous-stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and colorful dish. They are perfect for lunch or dinner and are easy to make. You can choose from different types of bell peppers, like red, yellow, or green, to add vibrancy to your plate.

To prepare, you will cook couscous and mix it with your choice of ingredients. Adding veggies like zucchini and spices makes the flavor even better. Once stuffed, bake the peppers until they are tender.

Feel free to top your stuffed peppers with cheese or fresh herbs for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 2 large bell peppers
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook couscous in broth according to package instructions.
3. Mix couscous with diced zucchini, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut the bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
5. Stuff the peppers with the couscous mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

7) Parmesan Couscous Risotto

Parmesan couscous risotto is a delicious twist on traditional risotto. This creamy dish brings together the nutty flavor of couscous with rich Parmesan cheese.

You’ll start by cooking the couscous in a flavorful broth. This gives it a nice depth of taste.

Next, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. They pair wonderfully with the creamy texture.

Finally, finish it off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully, adding a savory kick.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach or mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat vegetable broth until it simmers.
2. Add the couscous and cook for about 10-12 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add chopped vegetables and sauté until tender.
5. Stir the cooked couscous into the skillet.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

8) Vegan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

This vegan couscous dish is both delicious and colorful. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and squash. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

Start by cooking the couscous according to the package instructions. You can use either regular or giant couscous.

While the couscous cooks, roast the vegetables at 400°F (200°C) until they are tender and slightly charred. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Once everything is ready, combine the couscous and vegetables in a large bowl. Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. You can sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, squash)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley
• 1 lemon
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions.
3. Chop the vegetables and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked couscous and roasted vegetables in a bowl.
6. Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

9) Curried Couscous with Chickpeas

Curried Couscous with Chickpeas is a quick and tasty dish perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of fluffy couscous and protein-rich chickpeas makes it both satisfying and nutritious.

Start by cooking whole wheat couscous as per the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté some onions and garlic in olive oil.

Add in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and curry powder for flavor.

Mix the cooked couscous with the chickpeas and vegetables. You can add spinach or other veggies for extra nutrition. This dish is colorful and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook couscous according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
4. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and curry powder.
5. Mix in the cooked couscous. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

10) Citrus Couscous with Pomegranate

This Citrus Couscous with Pomegranate is a refreshing dish that combines bright flavors and vibrant colors. It’s perfect as a side or a light lunch.

To start, cook your couscous according to the package instructions. You can use vegetable broth for extra flavor.

Once it’s fluffy, stir in fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped mint.

Drizzle some orange juice and a splash of lemon juice over the top. This adds a nice citrusy zing. You might also like to sprinkle some feta cheese for creaminess.

This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. Stir in pomegranate seeds and mint.
5. Drizzle orange and lemon juice over the mixture.
6. Top with feta cheese if desired, and serve.