5-Day Couscous: A Flavorful Make-Ahead Vegetable Delight Recipe
This 5-Day Couscous recipe offers a versatile and easy base dish made with fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and olive oil. Perfect for meal prepping, this recipe allows you to prepare a healthy side or main component once and enjoy it throughout the week by simply storing and serving as needed. Ideal for quick lunches or dinners, it celebrates the light, fluffy texture of couscous combined with the freshness of vegetables and herbs enhanced by quality olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Couscous
- 1 ½ cups couscous
- 1 ½ cups boiling water or vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
Herbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
Others
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Place couscous in a large bowl. Pour boiling water or vegetable broth over the couscous, cover tightly, and let it steam for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: While the couscous is steaming, wash and chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, and mint if using. Combine these ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Mix together: Add the chopped vegetables and herbs to the fluffed couscous. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Store properly: Divide the couscous mixture into airtight containers. Refrigerate immediately and store for up to 5 days.
- Serve: When ready to eat, serve chilled or at room temperature. You can add extra olive oil, lemon juice, or fresh herbs as a finishing touch if desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Add other vegetables like grated carrot or zucchini for variety.
- Mint adds a refreshing taste but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
- Keep couscous stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness throughout the week.
Keywords: couscous, meal prep, Mediterranean side dish, healthy couscous salad, easy couscous, make ahead, vegetarian dish
