If you're looking for a bright, refreshing side dish that comes together in a flash, this Zesty Lemon Herb Couscous is just the ticket. With its vibrant mix of fresh herbs and a punch of lemon, it’s perfect for any season and any meal.
Couscous is the perfect base here, soaking up all the flavors while staying light and fluffy. Water and a touch of salt are all you need to cook it up quickly. A bit of olive oil adds richness and helps keep the couscous from clumping.
Lemon juice and zest are what make this dish sing. They add a zesty brightness that wakes up the palate. Fresh parsley, mint, and basil bring in an aromatic freshness that complements the lemon perfectly.
Black pepper adds just a hint of spice, while toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Finally, crumbled feta cheese offers a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together.
This couscous is a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It’s also lovely with roasted vegetables or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread with hummus, olives, and pita bread. For a light meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad.
Start by bringing 1 1/4 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it's bubbling, remove the pan from the heat. Add 1 cup of couscous and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then stir everything together. Cover the pan and let it sit for 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the couscous absorbs all the water and gets nice and fluffy.
After the couscous has rested, use a fork to fluff it up gently. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl, giving it plenty of room to mingle with the other ingredients. Pour in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Add 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh parsley, mint, and basil, along with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well so that the couscous is evenly coated with all those vibrant flavors.
Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Be gentle here — you want to keep those feta crumbles intact. Now you're ready to serve. You can enjoy it immediately, while it’s still a bit warm, or let it cool to room temperature first.
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