Brighten up your table with this vibrant and refreshing Couscous with Apples, Cranberries, and Herbs! This quick and easy side dish combines fluffy couscous with the crisp sweetness of diced apples, the tangy chew of dried cranberries, and the fragrant freshness of parsley and mint. A drizzle of lemon-honey dressing ties everything together, while optional slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or meal prep. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside roasted meats, grilled veggies, or as a light stand-alone salad. Packed with flavor, texture, and a touch of natural sweetness, this couscous recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water.
Stir in 1 cup of couscous, cover the pan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the water.
While the couscous is resting, core and dice 1 large apple into small pieces. Chop 0.25 cups of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of fresh mint. Set these aside.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer the couscous to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper to the dressing.
Add the diced apple, 0.5 cups of dried cranberries, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and 0.25 cups of slivered almonds (if using) to the bowl of couscous.
Drizzle the lemon-honey dressing over the couscous mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the couscous at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with extra herbs or almonds if desired.
Calories |
993 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.1 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1528 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.5 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 81.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 239 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 881 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.