Vegetarian Giant Couscous Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

If you’re looking for a wholesome, hearty, and bursting-with-flavor vegetarian dish, this Vegetarian Giant Couscous Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Giant couscous, also known as Israeli couscous or pearl couscous, offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor that elevates simple veggies and herbs to something truly special.

This recipe combines fresh seasonal vegetables, aromatic spices, and a tangy lemon dressing to create a satisfying and colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring more plant-based dishes, this recipe promises a nutritious, delicious experience that everyone will enjoy.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this vibrant dish, share some expert tips and variations, and provide serving ideas to make it a complete meal. If you’re interested in more vegetable-forward recipes, check out my Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian giant couscous recipe is a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. The pearl-like couscous pearls give a uniquely satisfying chewiness that stands out from regular couscous or rice.

Combined with a mix of colorful vegetables and fresh herbs, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

It’s also a fantastic meal for busy days since it can be made ahead and served cold or warm. Whether you’re packing lunches or hosting a dinner party, this dish is flexible and crowd-pleasing.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free giant couscous, and easily adaptable for vegan diets.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups giant couscous (Israeli couscous)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for vegetarians who consume dairy)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing chickpeas)

Instructions

1. Toast the giant couscous: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the giant couscous and toast it, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the couscous turns a light golden brown. This step enhances the nutty flavor.
2. Add vegetable broth and cook: Pour in the 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the couscous cooks, dice the zucchini and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Combine everything: Transfer the cooked couscous to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables, chickpeas, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Optional cheese addition: If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and stir lightly to mix.
7. Chill or serve warm: You can serve the giant couscous salad immediately while warm or refrigerate it for an hour to meld the flavors. It tastes fantastic either way.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Toasting the couscous before cooking is the secret to unlocking its full flavor and gives a wonderful texture that differentiates it from regular couscous.

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Roasted eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli work wonderfully here.

For extra protein, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

If you want a vegan option, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. To give the dish a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the dressing.

For a Mediterranean twist, consider incorporating kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Or for a Middle Eastern flair, add a teaspoon of za’atar spice in the dressing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This giant couscous salad shines as a standalone meal, but you can easily pair it with other dishes to round out your menu. It makes a great side dish alongside grilled vegetables, baked falafel, or roasted tofu.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast, serve it with warm pita bread and a dollop of hummus or Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. It’s also delicious chilled and packed in a lunchbox with some fresh fruit for a refreshing midday meal.

Conclusion

This Vegetarian Giant Couscous Recipe is a versatile, nutritious, and flavorful dish that fits perfectly into any vegetarian meal plan. Its combination of chewy couscous pearls, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it a standout recipe that’s both satisfying and light.

The ease of preparation and ability to customize the ingredients means you can make it your own, whether you prefer it warm or chilled.

For those who love experimenting with plant-based meals, this recipe offers a great base to add your favorite flavors and textures. Plus, if you enjoyed this dish, you might want to explore other healthy vegetarian options like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this vibrant, wholesome meal!

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