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Healthy Couscous Recipes

January 06, 2016
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.
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Pork Chops and Couscous with Tomato-Caper Sauce

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.

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Lemony Roasted Salmon with White Wine Couscous

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

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

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Orange and Tomato Simmered Chicken with Couscous

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.

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Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

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.

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Green Onion and Orange Couscous

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.

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Chicken and Edamame Couscous Salad

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.

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Apricot-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Roasted Almond Couscous

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.

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Nectarine and Basil Couscous

Photo: Randy Dausch
View Recipe: Nectarine and Basil Couscous

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

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Couscous with Winter Vegetables

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.

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Pecorino and Parsley Couscous

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.

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Citrus Couscous

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.

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Israeli Couscous and Dill Snap Peas

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.

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Orange and Fennel Couscous

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.

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Tomato and Cucumber Couscous

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.

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Cabbage and Radish Couscous

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.

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Herbed Couscous

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.

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Celery and Cashew Couscous

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Celery and Cashew Couscous

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

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Greek-Style Couscous

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.

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Couscous Pilaf

Photo: Kana Okada
View Recipe: Couscous Pilaf

This versatile side dish pairs well with most any entrée.

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Pork over Couscous with Pistachio-Lemon Vinaigrette

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.

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Cool Couscous with Fruit and Nuts

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.

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Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

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.

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Couscous

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.

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Clams with Israeli Couscous

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.

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Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

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.

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Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon

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.

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Red Pepper Couscous

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.

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Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous

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.

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Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous

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.

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Glazed Salmon with Couscous

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.

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Couscous Salad with Chicken, Dates, and Walnuts

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.

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Herbed Couscous

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!

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Grilled Salmon and Brown Butter Couscous

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.

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Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

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.

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Sirloin Skewers with Grilled Vegetable Couscous and Fiery Pepper Sauce

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.

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Herbed Couscous Pilaf

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.

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

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.

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Pork Tenderloin with Orange Compote

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.

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Herb and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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.