Pesto Couscous is a quick and delicious side dish that's packed with flavour and can be made in just minutes.
The secret ingredient to fast flavour with minimal effort in this pesto couscous recipe is basil pesto.
Because the pesto is full of fresh flavours like basil and garlic this means we don't need to add a lot of extra ingredients to get a knockout side dish.
Basil pesto sauce has the ability to transform so many dishes. I just love its versatility, I always have some in my fridge.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
- short prep time
- can be served hot or cold
- minimal ingredients
- maximum flavour
What you need to make pesto couscous
*Please see the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions
- pearl couscous - a type of pasta also known as giant couscous or Israeli couscous
- basil pesto - homemade or store-bought
- fresh lemon juice
- salt
- fresh parmesan cheese
*Please see the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions
How to make pesto couscous
- Cook and drain couscous.
- Add basil pesto, lemon juice, salt and parmesan then mix to combine.
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Top tips for the best result
- I highly recommend making your own basil pesto for this pesto couscous recipe, it tastes so much fresher and brighter than store-bought. It's super easy to make and is great to have on hand because it can be used in so many other recipes.
Storage
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
More pesto recipes
Pesto recipes are an easy way to add that little something extra to so many different dishes.
Homemade pesto is also quick and simple to make, all it takes is a handful of ingredients and some olive oil, toss them in the food processor and in just a few minutes you've got pesto!
Pistachio Pesto - this pesto recipe substitutes pistachios for the more traditional pine nuts.
Red Pepper Pesto - also known as pesto calabrese, this pesto is made using chargrilled bell peppers.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Easy Pearl Couscous Salad - packed with crunchy vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes, with a zippy lemon vinaigrette.
Cypriot Grain Salad - a delicious fresh couscous salad with lentils, red onion, fresh herbs and pine nuts.
Bruschetta with Mozzarella - a cheesy caprese twist on this traditional Italian classic recipe using fresh mozzarella. Great as an appetizer or a light lunch.
📖 Recipe
Pesto Couscous
Ingredients
- 2 cups pearl couscous
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cooking salt
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh parmesan cheese plus extra to serve
Watch me make this recipe
Instructions
- Cook pearl couscous in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions.2 cups pearl couscous
- Drain couscous, then add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add basil pesto, lemon juice, parmesan and salt.4 tablespoons basil pesto3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice¼ teaspoon cooking salt2 tablespoons grated fresh parmesan cheese
- Stir to combine then serve garnished with extra parmesan.
Notes
- I recommend homemade basil pesto for this recipe, but store-bought works great too.
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Easy and tasty. Great as a side to most anything.
Thanks Michelle, glad you enjoyed the couscous!