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.

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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.

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.