This Vegan Lemon Basil Couscous Recipe is a refreshing and light dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main course for those following a vegan diet.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.
Easy Vegan Couscous with Lemon and Basil
This couscous dish features fluffy grains tossed with lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal. The recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, or bell peppers for added freshness
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid.
- Fluff the Couscous: After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
- Mix in Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Add the fluffed couscous and toss until well combined.
- Add Optional Vegetables: If desired, fold in cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Transfer the couscous to a serving dish and garnish with additional basil if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
