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Lemon-Herb Couscous

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Light, fresh Lemon‑Herb Couscous with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and fluffy couscous—ready in just minutes. A simple, elegant side that pairs well with virtually anything or stands beautifully as a vegetarian main.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 side servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Steaming/Fluffing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean‑Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup water

2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup Moroccan couscous

2 scallions, finely chopped

½ packed cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped

¼ packed cup fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Juice of ½ lemon (plus extra to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil water with 1 tbsp olive oil and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in couscous, cover, and let sit 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.
  3. Transfer couscous to a bowl and let cool slightly.
  4. Add remaining olive oil, scallions, parsley, basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  5. Toss to combine, season with black pepper, and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.

Notes

  • Add toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch.
  • Stir in dried apricots, golden raisins, or fresh citrus segments for sweetness.
  • Fold in greens like spinach or arugula for extra texture.
  • Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess.
  • Try mint, cilantro, or chives in place of or in addition to parsley and basil.
  • Use quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten‑free option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lemon-herb-couscous/