Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous

Name: Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup couscous; 1 and 1/4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Global Recipe Vault

I love making Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous because it’s a vibrant and healthful dish that combines the best of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. The roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness, and the couscous provides a lovely fluffy texture. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors that transports me to the warm Mediterranean coast. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for gatherings. I'm eager to share this simple yet satisfying recipe with you, ensuring that your kitchen is filled with amazing aromas!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-02-16T08:25:37.041Z

I remember the first time I made Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous for my family. The colorful array of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes thrilled their taste buds, and the comforting flavors made it an instant hit. The key to this recipe is definitely the roasting process, as it caramelizes the vegetables beautifully, enhancing their taste and adding depth to the dish.

One of my favorite tips is to drizzle a little lemon juice over the finished dish. It brightens the overall flavor profile and gives it that fresh Mediterranean flair. I also love adding a handful of fresh herbs at the end for an extra burst of flavor. Give it a try; I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful and vibrant presentation that’s perfect for any table
Versatile dish that works as a main or side
Packed with nutritious vegetables for a healthy meal

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous lies in its versatility. You can swap in seasonal vegetables or those you have on hand, like eggplant, asparagus, or spinach. Each vegetable contributes its own flavor and texture, making the dish unique every time. Be mindful of the cooking time for harder vegetables; for instance, if you add carrots, cut them smaller to ensure even cooking alongside softer options like bell peppers.

When selecting your vegetables, look for freshness that brings vibrancy to the dish. The colors of the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes should be bright, with no signs of wilting or bruising. Using a medley not only elevates the visual appeal but also balances flavors—sweeter vegetables like cherry tomatoes complement the more bitter notes of roasted zucchini and onion, creating a harmonious blend.

Perfecting the Couscous

Couscous cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a perfect base for the roasted vegetables. For this recipe, using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the dis, as the couscous will take on a savory depth of flavor. Remember to let it sit for five minutes after adding the broth; this ensures each grain is fluffy and not clumpy, which is vital for the overall texture.

You can also experiment with different types of couscous, such as whole wheat or Israeli (pearl) couscous, which provides a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier consistency. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; Israeli couscous typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, about 10–12 minutes, so plan accordingly for a seamless dish.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting for an efficient cooking experience.

Vegetables

1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Couscous

1 cup couscous
1 and 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ensure the couscous is fluffed before serving to retain its texture.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous!

Preheat and Prepare Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the diced zucchini, bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.

Roast the Vegetables

Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Prepare the Couscous

While the vegetables are roasting, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add garlic powder and couscous, stirring well. Cover the pot and remove it from heat, letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Fluff the couscous with a fork and add the roasted vegetables. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful dish!

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider including chickpeas or grilled chicken to the couscous mix.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, consider storing the roasted vegetables and couscous separately to maintain their textures. The vegetables can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, which takes about 5 minutes.

Couscous doesn't hold up well after being refrigerated for more than a few days, as it can become mushy. However, if you have leftover couscous, try using it in a hearty salad the next day, adding fresh ingredients like arugula, feta cheese, or olives for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Couscous is a beautiful standalone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with proteins. Grilled chicken or fish complements the flavors nicely, adding a heartier element to the meal. For a plant-based option, marinated chickpeas or lentils tossed in with the couscous can elevate the dish further while keeping it vegan-friendly.

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or olives just before serving. The creaminess of the feta and the brininess of the olives bring an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor that ties the ingredients together beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the vegetables and prepare the couscous ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you love, such as eggplant, asparagus, or spinach.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Couscous is typically made from wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute with quinoa or gluten-free couscous.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.