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3 Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes that are Healthy AND Delicious! (Quick & Easy)

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Caitlin Shoemaker
Caitlin Shoemaker
31 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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Recipes in this Video

4 recipes
vegetariangluten-freedairy-freeegg-free

Couscous salad is a popular dish in North African cuisine, particularly in Morocco. It is often served as a side dish or a light meal, especially during warm weather. The dish showcases the versatility of couscous, which can be paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a colorful and nutritious option. It is commonly enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations, reflecting the communal aspect of dining in Mediterranean cultures.

Ingredients

  • couscous
  • bell peppers
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • cherry tomatoes
  • parsley
  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a pot.
  2. 2Add couscous to the boiling water and stir.
  3. 3Cover the pot and remove from heat; let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. 4Fluff the couscous with a fork and let cool.
  5. 5Chop the vegetables and herbs finely.
  6. 6In a large bowl, combine couscous, vegetables, and herbs.
  7. 7Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  8. 8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. 9Toss everything together until well mixed.
  10. 10Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

couscous

Healthier: quinoa

Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is more nutritious, while bulgur is often less expensive.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

potbowlforkknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Couscous Salad with VegetablesMediterranean Couscous Salad
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
  2. 2Add the couscous to the boiling broth, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  3. 3Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. 4In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, raisins, and parsley.
  5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 6Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
  7. 7Add the cooled couscous to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment

medium saucepanlarge bowlsmall bowlfork
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil.
  2. 2Add the couscous to the boiling water, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
  3. 3Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. 4In a large bowl, combine the black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  6. 6Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
  7. 7Add the cooled couscous to the salad and mix well.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment

medium saucepanlarge bowlsmall bowlwhiskfork

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
  2. 2Add the couscous to the boiling broth, stir, and remove from heat. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. 3Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. 4In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
  5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 6Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetable mixture, and toss to combine.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment

medium saucepanlarge bowlsmall bowlfork

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