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Home » Mediterranean

Pesto Couscous

Published: Apr 10, 2023 · Modified: Dec 18, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This Pesto Couscous is packed with incredible flavor, and beautiful color. It’s also super simple to make thanks to the couscous being cooked in just minutes and then combined with the pesto ingredients for a tasty side or main dish any day of the week.

A close up look at a bowl of pesto couscous topped with cherry tomatoes.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 👍 Amira's Tips
  • 🧺 Storage
  • ⌛ Make Ahead
  • 🍽️ Serve With
  • 👩‍🍳 Variations
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • Tasty Grains Recipes
  • 🥣 Equipment
  • Pesto couscous

❤️ Why You'll Love It

  • The bright flavors of the pesto make it perfect as either a side dish or main course.
  • Plus, couscous cooks quickly and can easily be transformed into something delicious with just a few pantry staples.
  • The combination of butter, couscous and pesto makes a delicious flavorful combination that you will fall in love with.

It's also a great way to use up any leftover pesto you might have on hand yet still enjoy a main course or side dish that is light, healthy and full of savory flavors.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients for pesto couscous with text overlay.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of two images howing how to make pesto couscous.
  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter then mix in pesto sauce, water and salt.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, stir in couscous, cover and turn heat off.
Cooked pesto couscous in a pot.
  • Let it sit until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve garnished with some pine nuts if wanted.

👍 Amira's Tips

  • Make sure that your water and pesto sauce comes to a full a boil before you add in the couscous to the water.
  • Be sure to turn off the heat once you stir in the couscous.
  • I recommend using a fork instead of spoon at the end of cooking so that your couscous stays fluff.

🧺 Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

⌛ Make Ahead

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and then reheated when you are ready to serve. However, I prefer to serve it freshly made.

🍽️ Serve With

This delicious couscous is great on it's own, or you can serve it with a hearty protein main course like these Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs. I also love to pair them with these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables for a light meal.

👩‍🍳 Variations

  • You can make this into a vegan or vegetarian friendly meal by using vegan pesto and olive oil instead of butter.
  • You can also add in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein packed variation.
  • Add in some freshly chopped parsley and/or roasted tomatoes to give it a more vibrant flavor.
  • You can use different types of pesto such as basil, spinach, arugula, etc.
A fork with some pesto couscous.

💬 FAQs

What can I add to couscous for flavor?

You can add just about any type of fresh herbs, vegetables, and proteins for additional flavor. For example, you can add in sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, roasted peppers or mushrooms.

How to reheat couscous?

I like to reheat the couscous in the microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until warm all the way through.

How do you make couscous not mushy?

To make sure that your couscous comes out not mushy, be sure to cook it according to the instructions. Also, use a fork instead of a spoon when fluffing and stirring the cooked couscous.

📣 Related Recipes

  • This Pearl Couscous Salad is a light and refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with main courses.
  • Did you know that you can make a sweet treat with this delicious grain? If you've never had it as a sweet treat, give this Sweet Couscous recipe a try!
  • Hashweh is a Middle Eastern ground beef stuffing with aromatic spices. Here is an easy 20-minute Hashweh with rice for an easy weeknight meal or a side dish.
  • Pesto Chicken Lasagna with white sauce is a hearty comfort casserole loaded with Mediterranean flavors. Layers of tender noodles, pesto bechamel sauce and three cheese sauce, a rich irresistible dinner.

Tasty Grains Recipes

  • If you're in need of a nutritious and flavorful salad that packs a protein punch, look no further than this delightful edamame quinoa salad recipe.
  • Farro Pilaf Recipe with Italian sausage and mushroom is a simple wholesome pilaf recipe. A hearty dinner recipe or a side dish for your holiday table.

I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!

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If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

What’s new? Check out Amira's Pantry Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness!  Thanks so much for being a part of Amira's Pantry!

🥣 Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • saucepan
  • fork
An overhead view of a plate with pesto couscous.

Pesto couscous

A delicious 5 minute couscous recipe that can be served as a main, side dish or combine with your favorite fresh veggies for a delightful salad.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Halal
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 332kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼- ⅓ cup pesto sauce
  • 1 cup couscous
  • A pinch of salt

Optional: for garnish

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves chopped

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium heat melt butter then mix in pesto sauce, water and salt.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, stir in couscous, cover and turn heat off.
  • Let it sit until water is absorbed, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve

Notes

  • To make it vegan use olive oil and vegan pesto sauce.
  • Make this dish even faster by using boiling water.
  • Store leftover in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
  • Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 827IU | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
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I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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