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I started keeping couscous in my pantry because it’s one of the fastest things you can cook. Just pour boiling water over it, let it sit, and it’s done. It’s perfect for throwing together a light meal when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. I love it in salads, as a bed for roasted vegetables, or even in a simple pilaf.
These recipes are my favorite ways to use it. They’re fresh, they’re easy to adapt with what you have, and they never leave me feeling heavy.
Here are 21 light vegan couscous recipes perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner.
1. Simple Lemon Herb Couscous
Fluffed couscous with a big handful of chopped parsley and mint, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. My most basic, go-to side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Couscous with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. I stir in some chickpeas for protein.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 7g
3. Roasted Vegetable & Couscous Bowl
A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion roasted with herbs, served over a bed of warm couscous. Sometimes I add a spoonful of vegan pesto.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 8g
4. Moroccan-Spiced Couscous with Apricots
Couscous cooked with a pinch of cinnamon and cumin, then tossed with chopped dried apricots, toasted almonds, and green onions.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
5. Couscous Stuffed Tomatoes
Hollowed-out tomatoes filled with a mixture of couscous, pine nuts, and fresh herbs, then baked until the tomatoes are soft.
Nutrition per serving (2 tomatoes):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
6. Chickpea & Spinach Couscous
Warm couscous stirred with a handful of fresh spinach until it wilts, then mixed with spiced, warmed chickpeas.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 11g
7. Cucumber Dill Couscous Salad
A cool, refreshing salad of couscous with diced cucumber, lots of fresh dill, and a light lemony dressing. Perfect for a hot day.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
8. Curried Couscous with Raisins & Peas
Couscous toasted with curry powder before adding water, then mixed with sweet peas and plump raisins.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 6g
9. Couscous “Tabbouleh”
A twist on the classic, using finely chopped couscous instead of bulgur, with tons of parsley, mint, tomato, and lemon.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
10. Lemony Asparagus & Pea Couscous
Blanched asparagus and sweet peas tossed with warm, lemony couscous and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 8g
11. Spicy Harissa & Carrot Couscous
Shredded carrots and a spoonful of harissa paste stirred into warm couscous. Topped with chopped cilantro for freshness.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
12. Couscous with Pistachios & Pomegranate
A colorful, festive dish. Fluffy couscous with crunchy pistachios, sweet pomegranate arils, and a bright orange blossom vinaigrette (or just lemon juice).
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
13. Summer Squash & Basil Couscous
Sautéed yellow squash and zucchini ribbons folded into couscous with fresh basil and a touch of garlic.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
14. Couscous & Lentil Salad
A hearty yet light salad with cooked green lentils, couscous, chopped parsley, and a simple red wine vinaigrette.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 13g
15. Minty Green Pea Couscous
Couscous mixed with defrosted green peas, fresh mint, and a light mint-lemon dressing. It’s incredibly fresh tasting.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 7g
16. Couscous with Roasted Cauliflower & Tahini
Spiced roasted cauliflower florets served over couscous, drizzled with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 9g
17. “Greek Salad” Couscous Bowl
All the flavors of a Greek salad—tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and vegan feta—tossed with couscous.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 6g
18. Coconut Lime Couscous
Couscous cooked in light coconut milk with a squeeze of lime and chopped cilantro. A tropical twist that’s great with black beans.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
19. Couscous with Sautéed Mushrooms & Thyme
Savory sautéed mushrooms (any kind) with fresh thyme stirred into a simple bed of warm couscous.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
20. Beet & Orange Couscous Salad
A vibrant salad with grated raw beets, orange segments, and couscous in a citrusy dressing. The colors are beautiful.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 8g
21. Simple Brothy Couscous with Herbs
More of a light soup. Couscous simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth until tender, finished with a swirl of fresh herbs.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
