15 Delicious Couscous Bowls: Your Mediterranean Meal Plan for the Week

Couscous is a tiny, grain-like pasta that cooks up fast and takes on the flavors of whatever you mix it with. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cooking, a way of eating that’s all about fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and lots of flavor.

Why Couscous Bowls?

• Simple: These recipes are super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Quick: Most of these bowls come together in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious: Packed with veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
• Versatile: Switch up the toppings and flavors to your liking!
• Affordable: Couscous is budget-friendly and the other ingredients are easy to find.

Your 15 Couscous Bowl Recipes

Here are 15 ideas to get you started, with some tips on making them your own:

1. Classic Mediterranean Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
• Tip: Add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh mint for extra flavor.

2. Greek Chicken Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor.
• Toppings: Grilled or baked chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, and garlic).
• Tip: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

3. Shrimp & Lemon Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked in a mix of water and lemon juice.
• Toppings: Sautéed shrimp, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

4. Spicy Chickpea Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a pinch of cumin and coriander.
• Toppings: Sautéed chickpeas with garlic, onion, and a little chili powder, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of plain yogurt.
• Tip: Serve with a side of warm pita bread for dipping.

5. Roasted Veggie Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with vegetable broth.
• Toppings: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Tip: Roast extra veggies at the beginning of the week for easy meal prep.

6. Mediterranean Tuna Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Canned tuna in olive oil, chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, capers, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Tip: Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

7. Lemony Falafel Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a pinch of turmeric.
• Toppings: Store-bought or homemade falafel, chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
• Tip: Add a sprinkle of sumac, a tangy Middle Eastern spice.

 

8. Lamb & Mint Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Ground lamb cooked with onion, garlic, and mint, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of plain yogurt.
• Tip: Use leftover cooked lamb or ground beef if you prefer.

 

9. Sweet Potato & Feta Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a pinch of cinnamon.
• Toppings: Roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey.
• Tip: Add a pinch of cumin for extra warmth.

 

10. Mediterranean Egg & Avocado Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Hard-boiled egg, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Tip: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.

 

11. Summer Berry Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a splash of orange juice.
• Toppings: Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, chopped mint, and a drizzle of honey.
• Tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for extra richness.

12. Salmon & Dill Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Cooked salmon, chopped dill, sliced cucumber, red onion, and a drizzle of lemon-dill vinaigrette.
• Tip: Use leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon for convenience.

13. Spinach & Artichoke Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts with garlic, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

14. Mediterranean Beef and Couscous Bowl

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Ground beef cooked with onion, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and a dollop of hummus.
• Tip: Use leftover cooked beef or ground lamb if you prefer.

15. Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Couscous

• Base: Couscous cooked with a little olive oil and salt.
• Toppings: Warm lentil soup (homemade or store-bought), chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Tip: This is a great option for a colder day.

Your Turn!

With these recipes, you have a week’s worth of delicious and healthy Mediterranean couscous bowls to try. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and flavors to make them your own. Happy cooking!