5-Day Couscous with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
This easy 5-Day Couscous recipe is a versatile and quick meal perfect for busy days. With simple ingredients like couscous, fresh vegetables, and herbs, you can prepare a nutritious dish that holds well for several days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups assorted vegetables, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped
- Water or broth for soaking couscous
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the couscous into a bowl and add hot water or broth just enough to cover it. Let it soak for about 5 minutes until the grains absorb the liquid and soften.
- Step 2: Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Mix in the chopped vegetables and herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips & Variations
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra brightness.
- Try adding toasted nuts or crumbled feta cheese for a richer dish.
Storage
Store the couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold as a salad. If reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use broth instead of water to soak the couscous?
Yes, using broth adds extra flavor to the couscous and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
How can I keep the couscous from clumping?
Fluff the couscous gently with a fork right after soaking and avoid stirring too much when mixing with vegetables.
Print5-Day Couscous with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
This 5-Day Couscous recipe is a simple, versatile dish featuring fluffy couscous combined with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfect for meal prepping, it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches or light dinners throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: In a large bowl, combine the couscous, salt, and olive oil or butter. Pour the boiling water over the couscous, cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it soak for about 5 minutes until the grains absorb the water and become tender.
- Fluff the couscous: Using a fork, gently fluff the couscous to separate the grains and prevent clumping, creating a light and airy texture.
- Mix with vegetables and herbs: Add the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, parsley, and mint to the couscous. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Chill and store: Transfer the couscous salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix with your favorites like zucchini, carrots, or olives.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free couscous (such as corn-based couscous) or substitute with quinoa.
- To add protein, consider tossing in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese.
Keywords: couscous, couscous salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian, meal prep, easy lunch, healthy salad
