Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Oh, couscous. It's time to put a spotlight on this adorable pantry staple that so often gets overlooked! You may have seen it on the menu at a Moroccan, Israeli, or Mediterranean restaurant and wondered, "Just what is it? Is it like farro? Is it like quinoa?" In fact, it's neither. While couscous may look like a grain, those tiny golden pearls are technically a form of itty-bitty pasta. Right next to orzo recipes, couscous is one of the smallest pasta shapes and makes for some delicious dishes. It's incredibly versatile and can be cooked up in a flash, which is why we've gathered some of the best couscous recipes to add to your meal planning!
As you walk through grocery isles, you'll probably notice three types of couscous on the shelves: Moroccan, pearl, and Israeli. Anything labeled "couscous" or "Moroccan couscous" is the classic, North African type, which is the tiniest size. Pearl couscous is the largest type and, as the name implies, is pearl-shaped. Israeli couscous falls in the middle. The grain-like pasta can be used in place of your favorite grains, from lunch bowls to vegetable side dishes to large family meals. It makes a fluffy bed for veggies, fish, and meats, and perfectly soaks up hearty Moroccan chicken or lamb stews. You can even chill your couscous and toss it into a tasty Mediterranean salad! It's true what they say about it—it's the pasta so nice, they named it twice!
Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls
Ree's salmon couscous has all of the best parts of a Greek salad—in bowl form! Give the bowls a little extra flair and flavor and top with feta, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
Get Ree's Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls recipe.
Chicken Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is just so tasty, but it doesn't quite make for a full meal. When you add juicy chicken and couscous, though, you'll have a delicious main course on the table in just thirty minutes.
Get the Chicken Caprese Salad recipe.
Asparagus Salad with Israeli Couscous
This light, tangy couscous salad is full of summer flavors. It combines roasted asparagus, kalamata olives, pine nuts, feta, lemon zest, and mint with a lemon dressing.
Get the Asparagus Salad with Israeli Couscous recipe at Feasting at Home.
Harissa Chicken
One-pan dishes are a cook's best friend. Cook the chicken thighs, eggplant, shallots, and other ingredients in the pan. Then, top with a drizzle of yogurt, pomegranate seeds, and parsley!
Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops
You'll want every perfect bite of this recipe: It's a savory grilled lamb chop, pearl couscous, and apricot-serrano chutney.
Get the Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops recipe at Spoon Fork Bacon.
Israeli Couscous with Tomato and Olives
This simple side dish is bursting with flavor! Cherry tomatoes, olives, shallots, garlic, and red wine vinegar simmers on the stovetop. Then, it's tossed with chewy pearl couscous!
Get the Israeli Couscous with Tomato and Olives recipe at Jessica Gavin.
Israeli Couscous Salad
Bulk up Israeli salad with couscous! The dressing features a few simple yet tasty ingredients of minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mediterranean couscous salad is very similar to Israeli couscous salad with a few key changes. It features the smaller couscous shape, plus olives, chickpeas, and feta.
Get the Mediterranean Couscous Salad recipe at Jessica Gavin.
Oven Roasted Branzino
If you really want to impress guests (but not put in too much effort!) roast up a branzino! Don't be intimidated by the whole fish scenario—the hardest part is scaling and cleaning it, which your local fish market can do for you.
Salmon with Roasted Vegetable Couscous
This super easy, tasty recipe only calls for four main ingredients making it the perfect weeknight meal. Simply simmer your couscous and roast the veggies and salmon, and you're set!
Get the Salmon with Roasted Vegetable Couscous recipe at The Little Kitchen.
Roasted Salmon With Za’atar And Sumac
How beautiful is this dish? There are so many reasons to love it, but the number one reason is the vibrant spices. Za'atar offers an earthy flavor to the dish, while sumac brings a bright and lemony taste.
Get the Roasted Salmon With Za’atar recipe at Diala’s Kitchen.
Scallops with Spicy Curry Sauce and Couscous
Couscous is a great addition to turn scallops into a meal by themself. It's topped with a spicy curry sauce, which pairs wonderfully with the sesame oil-infused couscous.
Get the Scallops with Spicy Curry Sauce recipe at Table For Two.
Tunisian-Inspired Chicken Tagine
Tagines are aromatic North African stews that's typically made with vegetables, chicken, fish, or lamb. This recipe is a one-pan meal that can be adapted for vegetarians! Just don't forget the flavorful Green Harissa Sauce.
Tuna Couscous Salad
If you need a new way to prepare canned tuna, try adding it to a couscous salad. It's a light dish you'll want to make on repeat all summer long.
Instant Pot Lamb Tagine
We love an Instant Pot recipe. Here, you can get tender, melt-in-your-mouth aromatic lamb in under an hour.
Moroccan Vegetable Couscous
Chicken broth, cumin, and raisins infuse the couscous with a sweet and savory flavor. Fluff it, then toss it together with sauteed veggies and spices.
Get the Moroccan Vegetable Couscous recipe at Immaculate Bites.
Israeli Couscous Crispy Garlic
You can use this recipe as a simple side, or as a bed for meats or veggies. Top your couscous with a generous helping of the crispy garlic anchovy bread crumbs!
Get the Israeli Couscous Crispy Garlic recipe at Pups With Chopsticks.
Creamy Couscous With Mushrooms and Kale
Creamy pastas are hearty, comforting, and the absolute best. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the creamy, savory greens and mushrooms.
Beef Couscous
Ground beef gives this couscous a meltingly soft finish. Plus, the fresh bites of pepper add a crunch to the fluffy couscous.
Curried Couscous Salad
Curried couscous is beyond flavorful! Golden raisins are added for a little sweetness and feta cheese for some salt.
Get the Curried Couscous Salad recipe at Supper With Michelle.
Make Meatball Casserole For Dinner This Week
Cowboy Spaghetti Is A Hearty Weeknight Dinner
The Best One-Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup
Should You Salt Pasta Water?
