If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors, this Deli Couscous Recipe is perfect for you. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this couscous dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you need a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a nutritious meal prep option, deli couscous fits the bill.
Deli Couscous Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan with a lid
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1¼ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Couscous:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the olive oil and salt.Stir in the couscous, cover the pan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the couscous is resting, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, chop the parsley and mint, and toast the pine nuts if they aren't already toasted.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous with dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped parsley, and mint.If you're using feta cheese, crumble it and add it to the mix.
Dress the Couscous:
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the couscous mixture. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve:
- The Deli Couscous can be served immediately, or it can be chilled in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a cooler, refreshing salad.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile; you can add or substitute ingredients based on your preference. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese.
Bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
- Rice Cake Cress Faces Recipe
- Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Smashed Peas on Toast Recipe
- Vegan Chickpea Curry Jacket Potatoes Recipe
Couscous, a staple in many North African and Mediterranean diets, is made from steamed semolina wheat and is known for its quick cooking time. Its light and fluffy texture make it an excellent base for salads and bowls. In this recipe, we elevate simple couscous with a medley of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing, creating a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Ingredients for Deli Couscous Recipe:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for non-vegan)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin or sumac for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Couscous:
- Bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the couscous.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the couscous sit for about 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the couscous is resting, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red bell pepper.
- Finely chop the red onion and fresh herbs (parsley and mint).
- If using Kalamata olives, slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
3. Mix the Salad:
- Add the prepared vegetables, olives, and chopped herbs to the couscous in the mixing bowl.
- Crumble feta cheese over the top if using.
4. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- For added flavor, you can stir in ground cumin or sumac.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve:
- Taste the couscous salad and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Deli Couscous chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled vegetables, tofu, or a simple green salad.
- You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
Conclusion:
This Deli Couscous Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. It’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side, and the vibrant mix of vegetables, herbs, and lemony dressing will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light, healthy lunch, this couscous salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.