10 Healthy Couscous Recipes

Raw couscous

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Raw couscous

Photo by: Lilyana Vynogradova

Lilyana Vynogradova

Raw couscous

This combo of semolina wheat and water can be part of a healthy eating plan. Whether you choose large Israeli couscous or the small Moroccan variety, opt for whole wheat whenever possible to help make half your daily grains whole. Here are 10 savory and sweet couscous recipes for you to try.

Israeli couscous with dried apricots prepared by Host Daphne Brogdon, as seen on Food Network's Daphne Dishes, Season 1.

Israeli couscous with dried apricots prepared by Host Daphne Brogdon, as seen on Food Network's Daphne Dishes, Season 1.

Photo by: Emile Wamsteker ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Emile Wamsteker, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Israeli couscous with dried apricots prepared by Host Daphne Brogdon, as seen on Food Network's Daphne Dishes, Season 1.

Crowd-Pleasing Couscous

This six-ingredient side takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, which always pleases the cook!

Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables

This colorful side salad is filled with zucchini, asparagus, tomatoes and bell peppers, and tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Cherry Couscous Pudding

Instead of rice, make a sweet pudding using whole-wheat couscous for a delicious breakfast or nutritious dessert.

Israeli Couscous Tabouli

Replace the bulgur wheat with couscous in this traditional Middle Eastern dish, and toss with a healthy dose of cilantro, parsley and mint.

Grilled Pork Steaks with Zucchini Couscous

Fire up the grill and cook pork tenderloins flavored with olive oil and garlic. Serve with a side of couscous mixed with fresh zucchini, tomatoes and cukes. It’s an easy way to get three food groups all into one meal.

Food Network's Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers

Food Network's Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers

Photo by: Tara Donne ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Tara Donne, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Food Network's Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers

Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers

This creative spin on stuffed peppers uses couscous combined with ground beef, raisins and parsley. Make a double portion and freeze half for later.

Spiced Couscous and Chicken

Couscous takes only five minutes to prepare, making it a perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Mix with shredded rotisserie chicken, raisins and almonds, and you’ve got a well-balanced meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen

Full Recipe Name: Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint

Talent Recipe: 

FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint, as seen on Food Network

Project: Foodnetwork.com, CINCO/SUMMER/FATHERSDAY

Show Name: How to Boil Water

FNK_CouscousSaladWithTomatoesAndMint_H

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen Full Recipe Name: Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint Talent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint, as seen on Food Network Project: Foodnetwork.com, CINCO/SUMMER/FATHERSDAY Show Name: How to Boil Water

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen Full Recipe Name: Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint Talent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint, as seen on Food Network Project: Foodnetwork.com, CINCO/SUMMER/FATHERSDAY Show Name: How to Boil Water

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint

This light side salad goes perfectly with barbecue favorites like steak, burgers and grilled chicken.

Cauliflower Couscous

Reap the health benefits of this popular cruciferous veggie, which has been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Melissa-dArabian-Couscous-With-Dates

Photo by: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Tara Donne, FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Couscous with Dried Dates

Add sweetness to your couscous with dates, which contribute calcium, iron and several B vitamins.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

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