Zucchini Couscous

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant Zucchini Couscous recipe—a quick and flavorful dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Tender cubes of zucchini are sautéed to golden perfection, then combined with fluffy, herb-infused couscous cooked in aromatic vegetable broth seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garlic. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add a bright, zesty finish, while optional red chili flakes give it a subtle kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a light vegetarian main or a complementary side dish for grilled meats or vegetables. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, Zucchini Couscous is sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 2 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Cut them into small, evenly-sized cubes.

Step 2

Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the parsley.

Step 3

In a medium-sized pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini cubes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly golden. Remove the zucchini and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and red chili flakes (if using) to the pot, and stir for 15 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 6

Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth.

Step 8

After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. Gently mix in the sautéed zucchini, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm as a standalone dish or alongside grilled vegetables or protein of choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	982.6 grams (982.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	736

Total Fat 33.50g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.40g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6061mg	264%
Total Carbohydrate 95.10g	35%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 33.50g
Protein 17.70g	35%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 182mg	14%
Iron 6mg	36%
Potassium 1770mg	38%

*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: 40.1%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 50.5%