14 Savory Couscous Recipes to Try (2024)

Couscous is made by cooking semolina (a type of wheat flour) in water until soft. It’s then mixed with several other ingredients, like chicken, tofu, vegetables, herbs, spices, and nuts. Due to its versatility, couscous pairs beautifully with a number of flavors as a main dish, or it can be served as a side. Try one of these simple couscous recipes for a healthy rice or pasta alternative.

01of 14

Plain Fluffy Couscous

If you've never prepared couscous, learn how to cook it perfectly first. Like cooking rice, there are several tips to help you ensure that the grain is never dried out or hard. Start with this basic recipe, then move on to more complex dishes.

Get the recipe: Plain Fluffy Couscous

02of 14

Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

Try a classic Israeli couscous salad if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to a rice bowl. It’s made by cooking couscous until golden, then adding other ingredients like onion, corn, and herbs.

Get the recipe: Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

03of 14

Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

This simple couscous recipe uses chickpeas instead of chicken or beef. These healthy legumes are loaded with fiber and protein, making them an ideal meat alternative for vegans or vegetarians.

Get the recipe: Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

04of 14

Moroccan Couscous Salad

The best part of this authentic Moroccan couscous salad is that you can make it several days ahead and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week. The recipe calls for raisins and pistachios, but you can substitute them for whatever dried fruit and nut you have on hand.

Get the recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad

05of 14

Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew With Couscous

This couscous stew has a rich flavor thanks to the addition of spices like cumin, ginger, and black pepper. It also includes a healthy helping of cauliflower, which provides a hearty texture and boost of fiber.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew With Couscous

06of 14

Chicken Stew With Couscous, Spinach, and Parmesan

Need a quick and easy dinner? This simple 40-minute couscous stew recipe combines chicken with spinach and Parmesan cheese. You can use any type of chicken broth, but a low-sodium version is ideal because you can always salt the stew to your taste.

Get the recipe: Chicken Stew With Couscous, Spinach, and Parmesan

07of 14

Chicken Thighs With Couscous and Olives

If you love olives, you will love this chicken thigh meal with an olive-packed couscous salad. It’s also loaded with dried dates, pomegranate arils, and spices, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

Chicken Skewers With Almond Couscous and Kale

This quick chicken skewers recipe is easy to make in bulk, so serve it at your next dinner party or afternoon barbecue. Charred kale and almonds add a tasty crunch to an otherwise soft grain.

Get the recipe: Chicken Skewers With Almond Couscous and Kale

09of 14

Five-Spice Steak With Couscous

Radishes, mint, and onions elevate this simple couscous salad, and a well-seasoned steak becomes the star of the show. For best results, opt for a skirt steak that is consistently thick throughout.

Get the recipe: Five-Spice Steak With Couscous

10of 14

Beef Koftas with Toasted Couscous

Try this Middle Eastern-inspired barbecue dish that features classic beef koftas. Fresh tomatoes and scallions add a pop of flavor to the couscous salad to finish the meal.

Get the recipe: Beef Koftas with Toasted Couscous

11of 14

Spiced Mini Burgers With Couscous Salad

Similar to a kofta, these Mediterranean spiced mini burgers make a healthy lunch or dinner. Toss the couscous with a simple mix of cucumber, tomato, and lemon for a light and refreshing way to satisfy your appetite.

Get the recipe: Spiced Mini Burgers With Couscous Salad

12of 14

Seared Salmon with Israeli Couscous

Couscous lends itself to light and nutritious meals, and what's a lighter protein than a simple seared salmon? Marinate the salad ahead of time to allow enough time for all the flavors to soak in.

Get the recipe: Seared Salmon with Israeli Couscous

13of 14

Moroccan Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous

If you're a vegetarian, couscous makes a great base due to its relatively high protein content and nutritional profile. As an added bonus, it pairs really well with tofu. This Moroccan-inspired tofu meal features harissa paste, mint, and almonds over a bed of couscous.

Get the recipe: Moroccan Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous

14of 14

Lemon-Pepper Tofu With Apricot-Chickpea Salsa and Couscous

Tofu and couscous couldn't get any more savory than this well-marinated meal. The couscous base gets topped with a flavorful apricot and chickpea salsa, and the tofu is richly coated in lemon, honey, and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Lemon-Pepper Tofu With Apricot-Chickpea Salsa and Couscous