5-Day Flavorful Couscous with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
This versatile 5-Day Couscous recipe offers a simple and nutritious way to prepare couscous with fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be prepared once and enjoyed over several days as a flavorful base or side dish.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers), diced
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for dressing
- Prepare the Couscous: In a heatproof bowl, combine the couscous with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour 1 cup of boiling water or vegetable broth over the couscous, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the couscous is soaking, wash and dice your choice of fresh vegetables. Chop the fresh parsley and mint finely.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced vegetables and chopped herbs to the fluffed couscous. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
- Store Properly: Transfer the couscous salad into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 5 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the couscous chilled or at room temperature as a main dish or side. For added flavor, drizzle with additional olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to infuse more flavor into the couscous.
- Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on preference and seasonality.
- This couscous salad can be customized by adding protein such as chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese if desired.
- The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serve with a lemon wedge for an added fresh citrus note.
Keywords: couscous, meal prep, vegetarian, Mediterranean, healthy salad, quick recipe