Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Healthy Couscous Recipes

Healthy Couscous Recipes

January 06, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: John Autry
While it may look like rice, this North African food staple is actually tiny bits of pasta made from wheat or barley. In African homes, couscous is traditionally steamed over stew. Most couscous available in North America is quick-cooking and makes a tasty side for a variety of dishes. However, this dish's versatility makes it more than a main's accompaniment. Toss it in a salad, stuff it into bell peppers, or use it as a filler for burger patties. You'll be surprised what these tiny pieces of wheat can do. The beauty of couscous? These miniature balls of dough make for a quick, versatile side dish when speedy weeknight dinners are in high demand. Pull these doughy pearls out of the pantry and discover new ways to jazz up your meal.
Start Slideshow

1 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Chops and Couscous with Tomato-Caper Sauce

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio
View Recipe: Pork Chops and Couscous with Tomato-Caper Sauce

This dish easily works with chicken if you don't have pork on hand. Toasting the turmeric in oil is a simple way to develop savory depth—try this technique with any spices you're cooking with. Couscous makes for a quick, versatile side dish that easily adopts different flavor profiles. Israeli couscous has more of a bite to it and can also be served chilled for picnics and to-go lunches. The tomato-caper sauce pairs well with other proteins beyond pork and poultry such as sole or shrimp simply cooked with garlic and butter. It's an impressive dish that's quickly prepared whenever you're short on time.

1 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemony Roasted Salmon with White Wine Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Lemony Roasted Salmon with White Wine Couscous

The tangy herbed yogurt sauce also moistens the salmon during cooking.

2 of 44

3 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange and Tomato Simmered Chicken with Couscous

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Orange and Tomato Simmered Chicken with Couscous

In 30 minutes, you can have it all—tender, slow-simmered chicken layered with complex flavors. Cauliflower can replace the fennel, or the couscous can be switched for a whole grain like farro or brown rice. There are plenty of vegetables in this complete dinner, but if you desire, fresh, lightly dressed greens would go well with this dish.

3 of 44

Advertisement

4 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

Update the classic stuffed bell pepper recipe with a tangy chicken, couscous, and goat cheese salad, instead of the traditional ground beef and rice. Broiling the peppers before filling brings out their sweet and smoky flavor and keeps them from ending up either soggy or undercooked. Wrap the remaining broiled peppers in the foil used to line the pan, and then let stand. The trapped steam will loosen their skins and make peeling easier.

4 of 44

5 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Onion and Orange Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Green Onion and Orange Couscous

Simple, beautiful, fast. The oil and vinegar in the marinade double as the base for a simple vinaigrette.

5 of 44

6 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken and Edamame Couscous Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken and Edamame Couscous Salad

Dried cranberries complement the sweet and tangy dressing on this salad, while roasted peanuts contribute a nice crunch.

6 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Roasted Almond Couscous

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Apricot-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Roasted Almond Couscous

Fresh herbs turn a couple of pantry basics into a beautiful glaze for chicken.

7 of 44

8 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nectarine and Basil Couscous

Credit: Photo: Randy Dausch
View Recipe: Nectarine and Basil Couscous

For fresh and summery flavor, serve this on the side with your favorite main dish.

8 of 44

9 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Couscous with Winter Vegetables

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Couscous with Winter Vegetables

In summer, substitute green beans, corn, and zucchini for the butternut squash and chickpeas. Leftovers are delicious for breakfast with a fried egg on top.

9 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pecorino and Parsley Couscous

Credit: Photo: Randy Dausch
View Recipe: Pecorino and Parsley Couscous

We love the savory ingredients used here. Grated lemon rind adds a bit of brightness to the flavor in this quick side.

10 of 44

11 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Citrus Couscous

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Citrus Couscous

Oranges and almonds unite to create a refreshing side dish that's sure to take any weeknight dinner to the next level.

11 of 44

12 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Israeli Couscous and Dill Snap Peas

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Israeli Couscous and Dill Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas pair with Israeli Couscous for a fast side salad. Add a finishing touch with shaved Parmesan cheese and minced dill. Tip: Grated Parmesan would melt here and get lost in the salad. Shave the cheese so it retains it's texture.

12 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange and Fennel Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Orange and Fennel Couscous

Mix chickpeas, fennel, orange slices, and parsley into couscous to make this delectable and delicious side dish.

13 of 44

14 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato and Cucumber Couscous

Credit: Photo: Randy Dausch
View Recipe: Tomato and Cucumber Couscous

Forget the lettuce—that's so last year. Mediterranean flavors shine in this simple side dish.

14 of 44

15 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cabbage and Radish Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Cabbage and Radish Couscous

This couscous combines the fresh flavors of cabbage, radishes, and salsa fresca to make a tasty side dish.

15 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Couscous

Credit: Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Herbed Couscous

Fresh herbs bring bright flavor to this side, served alongside a company-worthy main, blending spice from the chicken with sweet and tangy nectarine salsa.

16 of 44

17 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Celery and Cashew Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Celery and Cashew Couscous

Soy sauce, brown sugar, celery, and cashews give this couscous a unique, divine flavor.

17 of 44

18 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek-Style Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Greek-Style Couscous

Filled with fresh tomato, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta, this dish makes a filling side. Try subbing farro or quinoa for couscous for a whole-grain twist.

18 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Couscous Pilaf

Credit: Photo: Kana Okada
View Recipe: Couscous Pilaf

This versatile side dish pairs well with most any entrée.

19 of 44

20 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork over Couscous with Pistachio-Lemon Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine
Pork over Couscous with Pistachio-Lemon Vinaigrette

Here is a stunning "restaurant dish" (that's actually a full meal) you can whip up in your own kitchen. While it contains a cornucopia of ingredients, stealth techniques make it radically simple and radically delicious. Use genuine Dijon mustard from France for the best flavor. The pistachios can be ground in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mini food processor.

20 of 44

21 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cool Couscous with Fruit and Nuts

Credit: Photo: Douglas Merriam
View Recipe: Cool Couscous with Fruit and Nuts

Vary this side salad with whatever type of dried fruit and nuts you have on hand—dried apricots and toasted hazelnuts, for example, or dried cherries and pecans. Serve with grilled jerk-style chicken or pork.

21 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

You can use red or golden beets. Try one of our variations: Beet and Blood Orange Salad; Beets with Shallot Vinaigrette; or Beets with Toasted Spices.

22 of 44

23 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Couscous

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Couscous

This simple side is faster and easier to prepare than pasta or rice. We use vegetable broth here to deepen the flavor of the couscous and make it more substantial.

23 of 44

24 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clams with Israeli Couscous

Credit: Photo: Jason Wallis
View Recipe: Clams with Israeli Couscous

If you have saffron, add ½ teaspoon with the wine for an extra kick. One reader describes the flavors in this 30-minute dinner as beautifully balanced—we agree.

24 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

This one-dish dinner will be a weeknight favorite, especially since it's table-ready in 30 minutes. Briny kalamata olives add a salty punch that you'll instantly love.

25 of 44

26 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon

This Moroccan-style chicken dish features chicken thighs simmered in a mixture of onion, olives, dates, cinnamon and ginger. Serve over couscous for a hearty meal.

26 of 44

27 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red Pepper Couscous

Credit: Photo: Ryan Dausch
View Recipe: Red Pepper Couscous

Quick Tip: Israeli or pearl-couscous is best for pasta-like salads. This delicious side is quick and fresh—and a perfect complement to your main dish.

27 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous

This is definitely a company-worthy entree, but it's also easy on the cook. The slow-cooked flavor of these lamb chops will have guests thinking you've been in the kitchen all day—not 20 minutes.

28 of 44

29 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous

Sip on a cool glass of ginger lemonade for just 32 cents per serving: Bring 4 cups water and 1/3 cups sliced fresh ginger to a boil in a medium saucepan; remove from heat. Steep 30 minutes. Strain; discard solids. Mix the liquid with the juice of 2 large lemons and 3 tablespoons honey. Serve over ice.

29 of 44

30 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glazed Salmon with Couscous

Credit: Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Glazed Salmon with Couscous

You can't beat this quick weeknight dinner that's table-ready in 25 minutes. Glazing the salmon before cooking keeps it moist; a second-coat later lets the sweet-tangy sauce shine.

30 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Couscous Salad with Chicken, Dates, and Walnuts

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Couscous Salad with Chicken, Dates, and Walnuts

This dish is a cinch to prepare, and you can make it your own using fresh mint instead of cilantro, or almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. Also try it with chicken breast or pork tenderloin in place of chicken thighs. Dates add a delicious Mediterranean touch, yielding a lovely sweet-savory flavor balance; for more tang, substitute dried apricots.

31 of 44

32 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Couscous

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Herbed Couscous

Flat-leafed parsley, garlic, and lemon juice come together for a quick-cooking side dish. This no-fuss meal is ready in just 40 minutes. Hooray!

32 of 44

33 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Salmon and Brown Butter Couscous

Credit: Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine
View Recipe: Grilled Salmon and Brown Butter Couscous

Fire up the grill for dinner tonight. This meal offers the perfect pairing for a hassle-free, great-tasting weeknight meal.

33 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

In-season, sweet red cherries are a bountiful bargain, and they lend a wonderfully fresh, fruity element that pairs well with pork.

34 of 44

35 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sirloin Skewers with Grilled Vegetable Couscous and Fiery Pepper Sauce

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sirloin Skewers with Grilled Vegetable Couscous and Fiery Pepper Sauce

A spicy North African–style pepper sauce amps up the flavor in these beef kebabs. Prepare the sauce up to one day ahead.

35 of 44

36 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Couscous Pilaf

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Herbed Couscous Pilaf

Chopped shallots, fresh thyme and parsley come together with quick-cooking couscous for a versatile, no-fuss side dish.

36 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plank-Grilled Zucchini with Couscous, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Plank-Grilled Zucchini with Couscous, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing

Grilling zucchini over a cedar plank gives smokiness that enhances its mildly sweet flavor. Even when time is short, don’t skip the step of soaking the plank beforehand—this will prevent it from burning on the grill. Use the largest zucchini possible to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.

37 of 44

38 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Tenderloin with Orange Compote

Credit: Photo: Nina Choi
View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Orange Compote

Citrus and pork tenderloin make a delicious combination. Stuffing the pork allows for each forkful to be packed with all the flavors present in the dish. Serve with couscous and fresh green beans.

38 of 44

39 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herb and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Credit: Photo: Ellie Miller
View Recipe: Red Pepper Couscous

Dress up a basic chicken breast by stuffing it with an herb and goat cheese mixture, then serve it with a beautiful side of couscous and sautéed red bell peppers.

39 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Pork Chop Sauté with Peaches

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Skillet Pork Chop Sauté with Peaches

The bright, bold flavors in this dish mean you don't need a side with a lot of high-impact flavors. Serve over quick-cooking couscous.

40 of 44

41 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Greek Couscous with Shrimp

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Quick Greek Couscous with Shrimp

These wonderful Mediterranean ingredients combine with quick seafood to produce a flavorful main dish. Yogurt adds a velvety texture.

41 of 44

42 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nuts

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nuts

This chicken recipe is filled with Mediterranean flavors and pairs well with couscous. Use mozzarella or provolone for a milder kid's dish.

42 of 44

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives

Kalamata and picholine olives add salty savor. Serve over couscous, with dressed greens on the side.

43 of 44

44 of 44

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato-Dill Couscous

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Tomato-Dill Couscous

This easy side will be an instant hit with your family. Cook just a few minutes on the stove, and throw in snips of fresh dill, a handful of Sun Gold or Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.

44 of 44

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 44 Pork Chops and Couscous with Tomato-Caper Sauce
    2 of 44 Lemony Roasted Salmon with White Wine Couscous
    3 of 44 Orange and Tomato Simmered Chicken with Couscous
    4 of 44 Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers
    5 of 44 Green Onion and Orange Couscous
    6 of 44 Chicken and Edamame Couscous Salad
    7 of 44 Apricot-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Roasted Almond Couscous
    8 of 44 Nectarine and Basil Couscous
    9 of 44 Couscous with Winter Vegetables
    10 of 44 Pecorino and Parsley Couscous
    11 of 44 Citrus Couscous
    12 of 44 Israeli Couscous and Dill Snap Peas
    13 of 44 Orange and Fennel Couscous
    14 of 44 Tomato and Cucumber Couscous
    15 of 44 Cabbage and Radish Couscous
    16 of 44 Herbed Couscous
    17 of 44 Celery and Cashew Couscous
    18 of 44 Greek-Style Couscous
    19 of 44 Couscous Pilaf
    20 of 44 Pork over Couscous with Pistachio-Lemon Vinaigrette
    21 of 44 Cool Couscous with Fruit and Nuts
    22 of 44 Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond
    23 of 44 Couscous
    24 of 44 Clams with Israeli Couscous
    25 of 44 Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous
    26 of 44 Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon
    27 of 44 Red Pepper Couscous
    28 of 44 Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous
    29 of 44 Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous
    30 of 44 Glazed Salmon with Couscous
    31 of 44 Couscous Salad with Chicken, Dates, and Walnuts
    32 of 44 Herbed Couscous
    33 of 44 Grilled Salmon and Brown Butter Couscous
    34 of 44 Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous
    35 of 44 Sirloin Skewers with Grilled Vegetable Couscous and Fiery Pepper Sauce
    36 of 44 Herbed Couscous Pilaf
    37 of 44 Plank-Grilled Zucchini with Couscous, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing
    38 of 44 Pork Tenderloin with Orange Compote
    39 of 44 Herb and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
    40 of 44 Skillet Pork Chop Sauté with Peaches
    41 of 44 Quick Greek Couscous with Shrimp
    42 of 44 Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nuts
    43 of 44 Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives
    44 of 44 Tomato-Dill Couscous

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    Healthy Couscous Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.