Mediterranean Herbed Couscous With Pine Nuts
This quick and flavorful Mediterranean Herbed Couscous with Pine Nuts is a perfect side dish or light main. Fluffy couscous is infused with fresh herbs, lemon, and a hint of garlic, then topped with toasted pine nuts for a buttery crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal pairing with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as part of a vibrant mezze spread.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous (preferably whole wheat or pearl for texture)
1¼ cups vegetable broth (or water, for cooking)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion or shallot (optional)
Instructions:
Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Toast them, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Couscous:
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Cook Couscous:
Add the vegetable broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff and Finish:
Fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest and juice, chopped herbs, and green onion (if using). Adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Serve:
Top with toasted pine nuts and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
Fluff for Texture:
Always fluff the couscous with a fork after steaming to prevent clumping and maintain its light, airy texture.
Use Warm Broth:
Cooking couscous in warm vegetable or chicken broth adds more flavor than water alone.
Don’t Overcook Garlic:
Sauté garlic just until fragrant — browning it can give a bitter taste.
Fresh Herbs Are Key:
For authentic Mediterranean flavor, use fresh parsley, mint, and dill. Dry herbs won’t have the same brightness.
Serve at Any Temp:
This dish is delicious warm, room temp, or even chilled, making it great for meal prep or potlucks.
Toasting the Pine Nuts:
Toast pine nuts just before serving to retain their crunch and buttery flavor.
Variations:
Add Protein:
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make this a complete main dish.
Stir in chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian boost.
Roasted Vegetables:
Add chopped roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra depth.
Cheese Options:
Top with crumbled feta or shaved parmesan.
For a creamier texture, mix in a spoonful of goat cheese.
Nut Substitutes:
Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios if needed.
For a nut-free version, use roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
Zesty Twist:
Add orange zest along with lemon for a unique citrusy profile.
Spicy Kick:
Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of harissa for heat.
Make It a Salad:
Chill the couscous and add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olive oil for a fresh couscous salad.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this couscous dish in advance?
A: Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Serve cold or reheat gently. Just be sure to store the toasted pine nuts separately to maintain their crunch.
Q: Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
A: Absolutely. Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative. Just cook it according to package directions and follow the same mixing steps.
Q: What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh mint or dill?
A: You can use fresh basil, cilantro, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs. Each will add its own unique Mediterranean twist.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
A: Yes, it’s naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and don’t add cheese or animal-based protein.
Q: What can I pair this with?
A: It pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, and pita.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~240 kcal
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: ~300mg (depends on broth used)
Sugar: 1g
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Herbed Couscous with Pine Nuts is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines ease with elegance. Packed with fresh herbs, citrus, and the buttery crunch of toasted pine nuts, it’s a perfect side or light main for any occasion. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a versatile, make-ahead-friendly dish that shines on weeknights and at gatherings alike.
It’s light, fresh, and full of wholesome Mediterranean flavor — the perfect addition to your recipe rotation!