Couscous with Lemon and Watercress
Brighten up your table with this zesty and refreshing Couscous with Lemon and Watercress, a versatile dish that’s perfect as a light lunch, side, or picnic favorite. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon zest and juice, this recipe strikes a delightful balance between tangy, nutty, and herbaceous notes. The fluffy couscous is paired with peppery watercress, aromatic garlic, and a scattering of toasted almonds for added crunch. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep. Serve it warm for a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing salad—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.5 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cups watercress
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 cups almonds (sliced and toasted)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
While the couscous cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Zest and juice 1 lemon, mince 1 clove of garlic, and rinse and pat dry 2 cups of watercress.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to coat.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper to the couscous. Stir well to combine.
Gently fold in the watercress, ensuring it is evenly mixed but not crushed.
Sprinkle 0.25 cups of toasted sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the couscous. Toss lightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a touch more salt or lemon juice if desired.
Serve immediately as a warm dish, or refrigerate for an hour and serve as a cold salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
752 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.8 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1529 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.6 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 14.7 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 231 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 682 mg | 15% | |
*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.
