Vegetable Couscous Pilaf
A vibrant vegetable couscous pilaf packed with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbs, perfect for a light, flavorful vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 c. white wine or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 3/4 c. couscous
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. pitted black olives, cut in half ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, sliced zucchini, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried basil; cook until zucchini is tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Stir in couscous, pitted black olives, and cherry tomatoes.
- Remove from heat; cover and let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier pilaf, consider adding cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken. If you want to enhance the Mediterranean flavor, swap the dried basil for fresh oregano or thyme. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Adjust the salt according to your broth's sodium level to avoid over-seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetable Couscous Pilaf pairs beautifully with Greek Seasoned Chicken With Orzo for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or grilled vegetables to enhance the flavors. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top can add a nice tangy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pilaf in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Couscous Pilaf contains roughly 896 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1904mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the couscous and combine everything right before serving to ensure freshness. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach can be excellent additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will keep the pilaf flavorful while making it suitable for a vegan diet. You can also add more vegetables or legumes for added protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).