Description
This Veggie Pesto Couscous recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines fresh vegetables with nutty couscous and a rich, flavorful pesto for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Couscous
- 1.25 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Cucumber
- 0.25 cup Red Onion
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 0.5 cups Pine Nuts
- 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 0.5 cups Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley or Mint (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 1.25 cups vegetable broth with a drizzle of olive oil to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, stir in 1 cup couscous. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork until light and tender.
- Warm a small skillet over medium heat, toss in 0.5 cups pine nuts, and toast for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- In a food processor, combine toasted pine nuts, 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, optional lemon juice, and 0.5 cups olive oil. Pulse until smooth but still a bit textured.
- Dice 1 cup bell peppers, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, slice 1 cup cucumber, and finely chop 0.25 cup red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, prepared vegetables, and pesto. Gently toss until every ingredient is coated in the pesto.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, or optional crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover Veggie Pesto Couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, portion the couscous into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Food Processor
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg