10+ Couscous Recipes to Try for Easy and Delicious Meals

Couscous is a simple and versatile grain that you can use in many delicious dishes. It cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of flavors.

You can create tasty, satisfying dishes with couscous using just a few ingredients and basic cooking steps.

This article will help you explore different couscous recipes that suit your taste and schedule. Whether you want a quick side dish or a filling main course, you’ll find ideas to make couscous a regular part of your cooking.

Ingredients:

• Couscous
• Water or broth
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Measure equal parts couscous and water or broth.
2. Bring the liquid to a boil.
3. Add the couscous, cover the pot, and remove it from heat.
4. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

1) Classic Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables

This couscous recipe is a great way to enjoy a simple, flavorful meal. You cook the couscous until light and fluffy.

Add a mix of tender vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. Spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric give the dish a warm, inviting taste.

Sweet dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, adds a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle almonds on top for some crunch.

You can find a similar recipe with roasted vegetables and almonds at Cooking Classy’s Moroccan Couscous Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried apricots
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
2. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, warm chickpeas with cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff couscous with a fork and mix in vegetables, chickpeas, raisins, and almonds.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your classic Moroccan couscous!

2) Mediterranean Garlic Butter Couscous

You’ll love this Mediterranean garlic butter couscous for its simple, bright flavors. The garlic butter adds a creamy richness that blends well with the light, fluffy couscous.

It’s a quick recipe, perfect for when you want a tasty side without much fuss. Fresh herbs like parsley add a refreshing touch.

Mix in veggies or serve it alongside your favorite protein. This dish comes together fast and tastes great warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 tablespoons garlic butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring the stock to a boil.
2. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff couscous with a fork.
4. Mix in garlic butter, parsley, and salt.
5. Serve warm.

Get this easy Mediterranean garlic butter couscous recipe at onebalancedlife.com.

3) Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is light and fresh, perfect for a quick meal or side dish. You’ll enjoy the bright taste of lemon combined with fresh herbs like dill and parsley.

Add crunchy veggies like cucumber and radishes for extra flavor. The salad comes together fast, usually in about 15 minutes.

It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone lunch. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or extra veggies.

For a refreshing twist, toss the couscous with lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped scallions. This simple dressing gives the salad a zesty flavor without being heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry couscous (Israeli or pearl)
• 1 mini cucumber, chopped
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook couscous according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
2. Chop cucumber, scallions, dill, and parsley.
3. In a large bowl, mix couscous with vegetables and herbs.
4. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper; pour over salad.
5. Toss everything gently to combine. Chill or serve immediately.

You can find more on lemon herb couscous at Inspired Taste.

4) Spicy Harissa Couscous with Chickpeas

You’ll love this spicy harissa couscous with chickpeas. Harissa, a North African chili paste, adds a nice kick.

The chickpeas bring protein and a hearty texture to the dish. This recipe is quick to make, perfect for a simple, tasty meal.

Add fresh lemon juice and herbs to brighten it up. It works well as a side or a main dish on its own.

Harissa roasted carrots or eggplant go well with the couscous for a warm, spicy bowl. Mix in some spinach or fresh herbs for extra color and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook couscous according to package directions.
2. In a bowl, mix chickpeas with olive oil, harissa, and salt.
3. Toss the chickpeas into the cooked couscous.
4. Add lemon juice and herbs. Mix well and serve warm.

Find more ideas for harissa couscous with chickpeas at nutsaboutgreens.com.

5) Pearl Couscous with Roasted Mushrooms

Pearl couscous has a chewy texture that pairs well with the earthy flavor of roasted mushrooms. Roasting the mushrooms brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

Toss the couscous and mushrooms together with simple herbs for an easy, tasty side. This dish works well for weeknight dinners because it comes together quickly.

The roasting method helps keep the mushrooms juicy while giving them a nice crisp on the edges. Add garlic or fresh thyme to boost the flavor even more.

You can find a simple recipe for this kind of pearl couscous with mushrooms on Tara’s Multicultural Table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 cups water or broth
• 12 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss mushrooms with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast mushrooms for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Meanwhile, bring water or broth to a boil. Add couscous, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 8-10 minutes.
5. Heat remaining olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and thyme for 1 minute.
6. Combine couscous, roasted mushrooms, and garlic mixture. Stir well and adjust salt if needed.

6) Couscous Tabbouleh with Fresh Parsley and Mint

This couscous tabbouleh is a fresh twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad. Use couscous as the base to make it quick and easy to prepare.

Fresh parsley and mint give the dish a bright, herbal flavor. Add chopped tomatoes and cucumber for crunch and color.

Dress the salad with lemon juice and olive oil to keep it light and refreshing. It’s perfect as a side or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 large tomato, diced and drained
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare couscous according to package instructions; let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine couscous, parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber.
3. Add olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss everything gently to mix.
6. Chill for 10 minutes before serving if you like it cold.

7) Curried Couscous with Raisins and Almonds

Curried couscous with raisins and almonds is an easy dish that adds a sweet and nutty flavor to your meal. The curry spices mix well with the plump raisins and crunchy almonds.

Cook the couscous by boiling broth with curry powder and raisins, then stir in the couscous and let it absorb the liquid. Fluff it with a fork before adding almonds for extra texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth, curry powder, and raisins to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let sit 5 minutes.
3. Fluff couscous with a fork.
4. Stir in almonds and add salt to taste. Serve warm.

You can check a similar recipe at Easy Curry Couscous Recipe.

8) Couscous Pilaf with Caramelized Onions

You can make a simple couscous pilaf by adding caramelized onions. The onions add a sweet and savory flavor that goes well with the couscous.

Cook the onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the onions on low heat until they turn golden brown.

Add the couscous and vegetable stock. Cook until the couscous is soft and fluffy.

You can serve this pilaf as a side dish or a light main course. Add toasted almonds or raisins for extra texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups couscous
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
3. Bring vegetable stock to a boil.
4. Add couscous and salt to the boiling stock, then remove from heat.
5. Cover and let couscous absorb the liquid for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in caramelized onions.
7. Serve warm.

9) Sautéed Garlic and Onion Couscous

Sautéed garlic and onion couscous is simple and full of flavor. Start by cooking garlic and onions in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.

Add couscous and stir well to combine with the garlic and onions. Use chicken stock or bouillon for extra flavor.

Let the couscous absorb the stock until it is light and fluffy. Serve this dish as a side, or add vegetables or protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 drizzles olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 onion, sliced into half rings
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup chicken stock or bouillon

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 1 drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onion, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in couscous and coat with the oil.
4. Pour in chicken stock or bouillon.
5. Cover and cook on low until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
6. Fluff couscous with a fork before serving.

10) Couscous with Grilled Chicken and Vegetables

This couscous recipe is simple and healthy. Grill chicken pieces until cooked through and juicy.

Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for extra flavor. Prepare the couscous by pouring hot water or broth over it and let it steam.

Mix the grilled chicken and vegetables into the couscous. This makes a balanced meal that’s great for any day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 2 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth or hot water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.

3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until it is fully cooked.

4. Slice bell pepper, zucchini, and onion. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5. Grill the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become tender.

6. Pour hot broth over couscous in a bowl. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.

7. Fluff the couscous with a fork.

8. Chop the grilled chicken. Mix it with couscous and vegetables.

9. Serve warm.