Balsamic Orange Couscous

Brighten up your next meal with the vibrant flavors of Balsamic Orange Couscous, a quick and easy side dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. This recipe pairs fluffy couscous with the refreshing zest of orange and the subtle tang of balsamic vinegar, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory. Packed with wholesome ingredients like dried cranberries, crunchy sliced almonds, and fresh parsley, this dish is further elevated with a drizzle of honey and extra virgin olive oil for a silky, flavorful finish. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a festive addition to your holiday table.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup orange juice
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 0.25 cup dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and orange zest to create the dressing.

Step 4

After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Let it cool for a few minutes at room temperature.

Step 5

Add the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and parsley to the couscous. Mix gently to distribute evenly.

Step 6

Pour the balsamic orange dressing over the couscous mixture. Add black pepper and toss to coat all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	693.7 grams (693.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	940

Total Fat 46.30g	59%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1512mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate 119.70g	44%
Dietary Fiber 10.80g	39%
Total Sugars 67.10g
Protein 15.50g	31%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 178mg	14%
Iron 3mg	18%
Potassium 989mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 50.0%