Couscous with Lemon and Watercress

Brighten up your table with this zesty and refreshing Couscous with Lemon and Watercress, a versatile dish that’s perfect as a light lunch, side, or picnic favorite. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon zest and juice, this recipe strikes a delightful balance between tangy, nutty, and herbaceous notes. The fluffy couscous is paired with peppery watercress, aromatic garlic, and a scattering of toasted almonds for added crunch. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep. Serve it warm for a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing salad—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.5 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cups watercress
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 cups almonds (sliced and toasted)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 3

While the couscous cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Zest and juice 1 lemon, mince 1 clove of garlic, and rinse and pat dry 2 cups of watercress.

Step 4

Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to coat.

Step 5

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper to the couscous. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Gently fold in the watercress, ensuring it is evenly mixed but not crushed.

Step 7

Sprinkle 0.25 cups of toasted sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the couscous. Toss lightly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a touch more salt or lemon juice if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a warm dish, or refrigerate for an hour and serve as a cold salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(730.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	751.8

Total Fat 56.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1529.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.2g	0%
Total Sugars 3.1g
Protein 14.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 230.8mg	0%
Iron 3.0mg	0%
Potassium 681.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.2%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 26.2%