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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Pesto Couscous | 10-minute Side Dish

    Published Sep 17, 2021 · Modified: Mar 14, 2022 · by Jacqueline Piper · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links

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    pesto couscous on a plate
    pesto couscous on a plate
    Pesto Couscous
    pesto couscous on a plate

    Pesto Couscous | This pesto couscous recipe is the easiest side dish you'll make this week! It'll take you about 2 minutes to measure and put together the simple ingredients and then it's just a 5-minute wait for this flavorful, pesto-y, side dish. This easy recipe makes the perfect base for couscous bowls - great for meal prepping!

    pesto couscous on a plate

    I spend a lot of enjoyable time in the kitchen, but there are times when I'm not prepared for dinner, or I'm tired, or I had too much fun during the day and I need a last-minute side dish.

    Do you have those days when you just don't know what to make? Those days when you just don't have time? Go for couscous on those evenings.

    I love couscous on its own but it's also super easy to add big flavor to a cup of dried couscous and it only takes 5 minutes to cook. 5 minutes!

    This Pesto Couscous is also a super budget-friendly recipe. Couscous is only a few dollars per bag and you'll only need a portion of the bag. Homemade pesto is inexpensive - and if you make my Oregano Pesto, I don't use pine nuts, which are expensive.

    You could also use storebought pesto which is only a few dollars a jar - and you'll only need a portion of the jar!

    Serve the couscous alongside a roasted chicken breast, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How to Make Couscous
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • More recipes like this
    • What to serve with this recipe
    • Recipe
    • Recipes FAQs
    closeup of couscous

    Ingredients

    About the ingredients for this recipe.

    See the recipe card below for exact amounts.

    • Couscous - Regular or whole wheat couscous.
    • Pesto - I use my homemade Oregano Pesto recipe for this Pesto Couscous. You can use your own homemade pesto or a storebought basil pesto if you prefer.
    • Lemon Juice - a tablespoon just to brighten up the flavors a bit.
    • Olive Oil - good Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for additional flavor and to loosen the couscous up a little more.

    About Couscous: I use regular couscous in this recipe. You could try pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous) or you could try my Pearl Couscous Salad with fresh herbs. I've linked both types of couscous so you can see what they are if you're not familiar with them.

    Instructions

    As long as you have some Pesto on hand, this recipe takes less than 5 minutes.

    Just a note: my Oregano Pesto recipe is very quick also. Like 10 minutes. It's even quicker to grab a jarred pesto!

    How to Make Couscous

    1. Measure the dry couscous into a bowl.
    2. Add an equal amount of water.
    3. Add pesto.
    4. Stir briefly and set a lid on top of the bowl.
    5. Wait 5 minutes.
    6. Stir to fluff.
    7. Add lemon juice, olive oil and salt + pepper to season. Serve.
    • dry couscous in bowl
      Dry couscous
    • adding pesto to dry couscous
      Add pesto
    • stirring couscous
      Add water and stir

    Making couscous is as easy as combining the couscous with boiling water, in equal amounts. Then all you need to do is put a lid on to trap the heat and steam and wait for 5 minutes.

    When adding the water, give it a good but quick stir just to distribute the pesto kind of evenly. Then let it sit and absorb the liquid.

    • couscous mixed with water to cook
      Add a lid.
    • couscous in a bowl with a lid over top
      After 5 minutes
    • couscous after it has just been cooked
      Remove to lid

    After 5 minutes, you can remove the lid and fluff up the couscous using a fork. If it's a little dry add a drizzle of oil. I find it helps to loosen up the couscous. Add the juice of half a lemon and then taste and season with salt and pepper. And you're done! Serve it up with whatever you like. I give some ideas below.

    • sitrring prepared couscous
      Stir to fluff and combine
    • adding lemon juice to prepared couscous
      Add lemon, oil, salt + pepper
    • prepared couscous on a plate
      Stir and serve.

    Substitutions

    Use whatever pesto you prefer. Try a red pesto if you like.

    pesto couscous on a plate

    Variations

    • I like making couscous bowls or grain bowls like this Vegetable Quinoa Bowl. So I stuff some couscous into the side of a shallow bowl and then surround it with roasted vegetables. I usually drizzle on some tahini or tahini dressing and then sprinkle with seeds. If I have sauerkraut I add some of that on the side too. The perfect dinner!
    • Add more toppings once the couscous is cooked, like sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta or Parmesan cheese.
    • Try my Pearl Couscous Salad for something kind of similar.

    Equipment

    All you need is hot water, so a kettle or a pot to boil the water in is necessary.

    Storage

    This recipe stores in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or so. Reheat by microwaving slowly.

    pesto couscous on a plate

    More recipes like this

    • Pearl Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs
    • Instant Pot Brown Rice with Cumin Seeds
    • Indian Spiced Cauliflower Rice

    What to serve with this recipe

    • Roasted Broccoli + Carrots
    • Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables
    • Creamy Dill Chicken

    Recipe

    pesto couscous on a plate

    Pesto Couscous

    Jacqueline Piper
    5 from 6 votes
    This pesto couscous recipe is the easiest side dish you'll make this week! Take 2 minutes to measure and put together the simple ingredients and then it's only a 5 minute wait time for this flavorful, pesto-y, side dish. This easy recipe makes the perfect base for couscous bowls - great for meal prepping!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 7 mins
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup couscous
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • ¼ cup pesto (jarred or homemade)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about ½ a lemon)
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • salt + pepper (to taste)
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    Instructions
     

    • Combine dried couscous, pesto and boiling water together in a bowl. Stir breifly and add a lid. Let sit for 5 minutes.
    • Remove lid, fluff couscous with a fork.
    • Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Setir and serve.

    Notes

    Notes - I use my Oregano Pesto for this recipe.
    Substitutions - Use the pesto of your choice.
    Storage - Leftovers store in the fridge for 3-4 days or so.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 11gFiber: 1g

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.

    Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
    Keyword 10-minute side dishes
    Have you tried a recipe? Tag @pipercooksblog or tag #pipercooksblog!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

    Recipes FAQs

    What is couscous?

    Couscous is a tiny wheat pasta made of semolina flour and water. It's not a grain despite it's looks.

    What is Pesto?

    Pesto is a bright green Italian sauce traditionally made with basil leaves, parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. It's commonly used on pasta.

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    pesto couscous on a plate

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    Hi, I’m Jacqueline Piper and I’m all about the homemade because I love to make things. From 15 minute meals for your weeknight dinner to more effort for special dinners and desserts on the weekend, I’ll show you how to cook from scratch. We’ll do healthy and we’ll do delicious, everything from kale to chocolate with beautiful, fresh ingredients. Search my recipes for your cravings, because we can make it!

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