Lemon Herb Couscous

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and refreshing side dish? Lemon herb couscous is the perfect option. This light and fluffy dish is infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon, complemented by the fragrant aroma of herbs. It’s simple to make, yet full of fresh flavors that will elevate any meal.

Why We Love Lemon Herb Couscous

Lemon herb couscous is a crowd-pleaser because it’s light, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavors. The citrusy lemon and aromatic herbs balance perfectly with the fluffy couscous, making it a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads.

How to Make Lemon Herb Couscous

Making lemon herb couscous is incredibly simple. You can have this dish ready in under 20 minutes, and the ingredients are easy to find. Here’s how to prepare this light and refreshing side dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Couscous:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the vegetable broth or water until it reaches a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then stir in the couscous. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid.

Fluff the Couscous:

• After the couscous has absorbed the liquid, use a fork to fluff it and separate the grains.

Add the Flavorings:

• Drizzle the olive oil over the couscous. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing them together thoroughly. Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, and thyme (if using).

Season and Serve:

• Sample the dish and tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the lemon herb couscous warm or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish to complement your meal.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Couscous: Add minced garlic to the olive oil while cooking the couscous for a more robust flavor.
• Mediterranean Couscous: Toss in chopped olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Couscous: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Nutty Couscous: Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture.

FAQ

1. Is it possible to prepare lemon herb couscous in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the couscous in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to fluff it before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

2. Can I use another type of grain for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute couscous with quinoa, bulgur wheat, or farro for a different texture or flavor profile.

3. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! This couscous pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or chickpeas for a well-rounded meal.

4. How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, but just make sure to use vegetable broth or water for cooking the couscous.