LEMON HERB COUSCOUS BOWL
This lemon herb couscous bowl is a light, refreshing, and satisfying dish, ideal for lunch, dinner or as a healthy side. Fluffy couscous is brightened with zesty lemon juice and fragrant, chopped herbs like mint and parsley, which are complemented by sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. The flavours are clean and vibrant, making this dish a perfect fit for warmer weather or anyone looking for a wholesome, plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. It can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired menus picnic spreads or serves as a base to build upon with protein-rich add-ins. Naturally vegan, high in fibre and packed with fresh produce, it’s a delicious way to bring more colour and nutrition to your plate.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Prepared in Advance, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Potluck, Mother’s Day, Spring, Graduation, Family Reunion
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy, Healthy, High Fibre, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Organic
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
To prepare Lemon Herb Couscous Bowl the following ingredients are needed:
- ½ cup cooked couscous
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 310.7 kcal
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrate: 64.9 g
- Sodium: 762.2 mg
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 10.7 g
- Calcium: 36.5 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
- Potassium: 306.8 mg
- Saturated fat: 0.1 g
PREPARATION
- Cook Couscous: If not already prepared, cook couscous according to package instructions and allow it to cool slightly.
- Chop Herbs: Finely chop fresh mint and parsley for maximum flavour.
- Slice Tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix couscous, herbs, lemon juice and cherry tomatoes.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together and serve immediately or at room temperature.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and parsley make a big difference. Avoid dried substitutes here.
- Fluff Couscous: Use a fork to fluff couscous before mixing to prevent clumps.
- Customise Acidity: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste for brightness.
- Chill Before Serving: For a cold salad version, refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Add Texture: A sprinkle of seeds or crushed nuts can add a pleasant crunch.
VARIATIONS
- Add Chickpeas: For added protein and texture, stir in ¼ cup of cooked chickpeas.
- Include Avocado: Diced avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Use Grains: Substitute couscous with quinoa or bulgur wheat for variety.
- Cheesy Twist: Crumble vegan feta or almond-based cheese for a savoury upgrade.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Couscous and herbs lose their freshness and texture when frozen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
- Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe and divide it into containers for lunch throughout the week.