Lemon Herb Couscous Recipe – Fresh, Zesty & Easy

Lemon Herb Couscous – If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful side dish to complement your meals, Lemon Herb Couscous is the perfect choice. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines fluffy couscous with fresh herbs, a touch of lemon zest, and olive oil for a vibrant flavor profile. It’s an easy and healthy dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, or even as a base for a grain bowl.

Couscous, often mistaken for a grain, is actually a type of tiny pasta made from semolina flour. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it ideal for dishes that rely on aromatic herbs and citrusy elements.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~230 kcal per serving

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern

• Course: Side Dish / Salad

• Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Couscous:

• 1 cup couscous (regular or whole wheat)

• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Herb Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

Fresh Herbs and Add-ins:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

• ¼ cup diced cucumber (optional for texture)

• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for color and flavor)

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan with lid

• Mixing bowl

• Fork (for fluffing the couscous)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk (for mixing the dressing)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Broth

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of salt. The broth infuses flavor into the couscous, making it rich and savory.

Step 2: Add the Couscous

Once the broth begins to boil, remove it from heat and immediately stir in the couscous. Quickly cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. During this resting period, the couscous will absorb the liquid and become soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Fluff the Couscous

After 5 minutes, remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the couscous. This helps separate the grains and prevents clumping. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed — you can add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.

Step 5: Mix the Couscous and Herbs

Transfer the couscous to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped parsley, mint, and basil. Pour the dressing over the couscous and toss everything gently until well combined.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Lemon Herb Couscous is a balanced dish — rich in healthy fats from olive oil, complex carbs from couscous, and antioxidants from fresh herbs.

Tips for the Best Results

1. Use Fresh Herbs: The flavor of this dish depends heavily on the freshness of your herbs. Avoid dried ones if possible.

2. Don’t Overcook the Couscous: Let it steam, not boil, to maintain a fluffy texture.

3. Customize It: You can add feta cheese, roasted vegetables, or chickpeas for extra protein and flavor.

4. Chill for Meal Prep: This couscous tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen in the fridge.

5. Balance the Acidity: Adjust lemon juice based on your taste preference — some like it tangy, others mild.

Conclusion

The Lemon Herb Couscous is more than just a side dish — it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy addition to your weekly meals. With its zesty lemon notes, fresh herbs, and fluffy texture, it captures the essence of Mediterranean simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, prepping lunches, or looking for a light dinner complement, this dish offers the perfect combination of taste and nutrition.