Pass on the standard pasta and rice dishes for these couscous recipes that satisfy.
24 Crave-Worthy Recipes with Couscous
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
Summer Salad by the Lake
I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It’s hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California
1/24
2/24
Couscous Meatball Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Leafy greens, homemade meatballs, pearly couscous and just-right seasonings tossed in the pot and ready to simmer after only 25 minutes of prep make this our go-to dinner on chilly weeknights. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
3/24
Greek Garlic Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lively flavors of the Greek Isles come through in this mouthwatering chicken entree. I created this dish so my husband and I could have a nice dinner after a busy day out and about. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with 1/4 cup sauce and 3/4 cup couscous: 475 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein.
4/24
Chicken with Curry Roasted Squash
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken butternut squash curry is very flavorful and full of protein, fiber and phytonutrients. The addition of the apricots adds a mild sweetness to the dish. —Sharon Collison, Newark, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 463 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 14g fiber), 32g protein.
5/24
Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and can be easily adjusted to serve more people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup couscous mixture: 414 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/24
Colorful Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love it when side dishes pop with color, like the bright pepper accents you'll see in this light and fluffy couscous. It's a scrumptious and welcome switch from baked potatoes or rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 220 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
7/24
Casablanca Chicken Couscous
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To give risotto, that favorite Italian comfort food, an update, I used couscous and lively North African-inspired flavors to deliver all the satisfaction of the creamy classic. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 448 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
8/24
Quickpea Curry
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 390 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 13g fiber), 13g protein.
9/24
Slow-Simmered Chicken with Raisins, Capers and Basil
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's better than that? The kids LOVE it. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 250 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/24
Sweet Potato and Turkey Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have turkey and sweet potatoes left over after our big Thanksgiving feast. I combine them in this quick, easy and nutritious main dish that satisfies alongside a simple green salad. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 365 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 848mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
11/24
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 25 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/24
Jamaican Chicken with Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“Fantabulous” is a word I reserve for fantastic dishes like this jerk-seasoned chicken. It’s a mouth full of yum. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup couscous mixture: 374 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
13/24
Moroccan Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my niece was attending West Point, she was sent to Morocco for five months. I threw her a going-away party complete with Moroccan decorations, costumes and cuisine, including this saucy shrimp dish. Whenever I make it now, I think of her and smile. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
14/24
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to sprinkle chicken stew with toasted almonds or cashews and serve with hot couscous. Flavored with cinnamon and a touch of sweetness from the apricots, this pretty dish will stand apart from the rest at potlucks, too! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 279 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit.
15/24
Israeli Couscous & Chicken Sausage Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida. Looking for more? Check out our collection of the best Canadian comfort food.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/24
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/24
Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings (4 cups couscous)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you can find preserved lemons, use them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1/2 cup couscous: 456 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
18/24
Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/24
Balsamic Chicken with Broccoli Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick-fix recipe uses an ingenious shortcut: The broccoli cooks right along with the couscous. The result is pure satisfaction on a plate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup couscous: 397 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
20/24
Cran-Orange Couscous Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 403 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
21/24
Couscous & Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have a tiny apartment, zero counter space and only two people to feed, hefty meals are out. This acorn squash with couscous is just the right size. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 521 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 979mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.
22/24
Dijon Veggies with Couscous
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 182 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/24
Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
8 shrimp with 1/2 cup couscous: 363 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
24/24
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 2/3 cup couscous: 340 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
