Bright, zesty, and effortlessly quick, this Couscous with Fresh Cilantro and Lemon Juice is the perfect recipe for a flavorful side dish or light meal base. Fluffy couscous is infused with the vibrant tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the herbal freshness of chopped cilantro, and a hint of zesty lemon peel for an extra citrusy punch. Ready in just 15 minutes, this one-pot recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper add depth, making it a versatile companion to grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this recipe is sure to brighten up any meal.
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil.
Add the olive oil and salt to the boiling water, stirring to combine.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover with a lid and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
While the couscous is resting, finely chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Stir in the lemon juice, chopped cilantro, lemon zest, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or at room temperature as a base for your favorite proteins or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
81 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.5 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 249 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.6 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 15 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 49 mg | 1% | |
*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.