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 |
316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.4 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1496 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 177 mg | 4% | |
*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.