Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous because it's a vibrant and nourishing dish that never fails to please. The combination of roasted vegetables with fluffy couscous creates a delightful texture and flavor profile. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. This recipe is packed with herbs that elevate the overall taste, making it a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something that feels special yet effortless. Let’s dive into this colorful dish and bring out the best flavors!

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:40:34.955Z

When I first tried Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous, I was amazed at how the simple act of roasting veggies could transform their flavors. I love how the heat caramelizes the edges of the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness while the herbs add a burst of freshness. I usually opt for seasonal veggies, ensuring that each bite is not only unique but also full of nutrients.

One key tip I've learned is to toss the couscous with a splash of lemon juice right before serving; it brightens the entire dish. Additionally, feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs to tailor the recipe to your liking. This is a dish that truly celebrates flexibility in cooking!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Vibrant colors and flavors that brighten up any meal
Quick to prepare - perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile - customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous lies in its versatility. While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and red onion, you can easily swap in seasonal vegetables based on availability or personal preference. Consider using asparagus for a fresh crunch or sweet potatoes for a more earthy flavor. These changes not only alter the dish’s taste but also its nutritional profile, allowing you to create a unique dish each time based on your cravings or dietary needs.

When prepping the vegetables, aim for uniform sizes to ensure they roast evenly. Dicing them into bite-sized pieces creates a more harmonious texture and makes for easier eating. Keep an eye on the colors—you want vibrant vegetables, as these will add both aesthetic appeal and flavor. If you notice any browning or wilting, it’s a good idea to roast them sooner to preserve flavor and texture.

Cooking the Couscous to Perfection

Cooking couscous might seem straightforward, but there’s a technique to achieving the perfect fluffy texture. The ratio of broth to couscous is crucial—using two cups of liquid for one cup of couscous allows for each grain to absorb just enough moisture, becoming tender without turning sticky. Make sure to cover the pan after adding the couscous; this traps steam, which is essential for proper cooking.

After letting the couscous sit for five minutes, gently fluff it with a fork instead of stirring it vigorously. This prevents clumping and ensures a light, airy texture. If you happen to overcook it, resulting in mushy couscous, adding a splash of cold water and fluffing can sometimes rescue it by redistributing moisture.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous is an excellent dish for meal prep, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep it fresh, store the couscous and vegetables in an airtight container separately if possible. This prevents the couscous from becoming soggy. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a dash of broth or water to revive the flavors and moisture.

For serving, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to elevate the meal. You can also experiment with sauces; a tahini drizzle or a zesty vinaigrette can complement the herbaceous flavors beautifully. If you want to add a crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds right before serving to enrich the dish’s texture further.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare the Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous:

Ingredients for Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous

1 cup couscous
2 cups vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 carrot, sliced
1 red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for roasting the vegetables to perfection.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the Vegetables

Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Cook the Couscous

While the vegetables are roasting, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Fluff the couscous with a fork, then mix in the roasted vegetables. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider mixing in chickpeas or grilled chicken. Always adjust the herbs to your taste preference for a personalized touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, quinoa serves as a perfect substitute for couscous. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio—typically, you'll use 1 ½ cups of liquid for every cup of quinoa, and it typically takes about 15 minutes to cook.

Herbs are another area for customization. If you don't have dried oregano and thyme on hand, feel free to use Italian seasoning as a blend. Fresh herbs can also elevate this dish; just add them at the end to maintain their bright, vibrant flavor.

Variations to Try

For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and feta cheese to the couscous before serving. This adds a salty and tangy contrast that pairs well with the roasted veggies and herbs. Should you wish for a bit more kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix before roasting.

If you enjoy a sweeter touch, incorporate some cranberries or apricots into the couscous for a delightful sweet-salty balance. The chewiness of the fruit against the crunchiness of the veggies creates an interesting texture that keeps each bite exciting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your roasted vegetables have not caramelized as expected, it may be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Make sure the veggies are well spaced to allow steam to escape. If they seem to be steaming instead of roasting, think about using a larger pan or roasting in batches to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

Should you end up with leftover couscous that’s too dry, simply add a bit of vegetable broth or olive oil when reheating. Also, mixing in freshly chopped herbs just before serving can help revive the dish’s flavor and freshness, giving it a lovely, vibrant finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it's entirely plant-based if you use vegetable broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?

Yes, just scale the ingredients up as needed, and it stores well for meal prepping.