Lemony Couscous
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and flavorful Lemony Couscous recipe—a zesty twist on a classic side dish that's ready in just 15 minutes! Perfectly fluffy couscous is infused with the tangy freshness of lemon juice and zest, complemented by a garlicky olive oil dressing for a bold, citrus-forward flavor. Chopped parsley and optional scallions add a pop of color and herbaceous notes, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this quick and easy recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply as a light, refreshing stand-alone dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Lemony Couscous is a versatile crowd-pleaser packed with bright flavors and wholesome ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil.
Stir in the couscous, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 0.25 teaspoon of salt. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the couscous sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
While the couscous is resting, prepare the lemon dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, remaining 0.25 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
After the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Pour the lemon dressing over the couscous and mix gently to coat evenly.
Fold in the chopped parsley and sliced scallions (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish, or enjoy on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
460 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.5 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1501 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 78 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 297 mg | 6% | |
*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.
