Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the pot one evening, an irresistible aroma filled my kitchen, whispering tales of Italy. I had just combined fluffy Israeli couscous with vibrant basil pesto, crafting what I can only describe as a culinary love letter: Pesto Couscous. This easy-to-make dish with its comforting texture and rich flavors is perfect for those who crave something homemade yet impressive. It shines as a delightful side dish or a light main course, making it a versatile addition to any table. Plus, with variations like sun-dried tomato or kale pesto, you can easily tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. Curious how the simple ingredients transform into something so extraordinary? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! Why is Pesto Couscous a Must-Try? Simplicity: This one-pot wonder comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Versatile Variations: With options like sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto, this dish can be personalized to suit your taste. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich, herby notes paired with creamy Parmesan create a dish that will wow your friends and family. Nutty Crunch: Toasted pine nuts add an irresistible crunch, elevating the texture and overall experience. And if you’re looking for more creative ideas, check out our guide on vegetarian-friendly dishes or ways to use up your leftovers in unique meals! Pesto Couscous Ingredients For the Couscous Base • 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous – Adds delightful texture and serves as a hearty base; substitute with whole wheat couscous for a healthier option. • 1 ¾ cups water – Hydrates the couscous perfectly; use vegetable broth for an extra layer of flavor. • 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor; adjust if you’re using low-sodium options. For the Flavor • 1/2 cup pesto – Infuses the dish with rich, herby goodness; feel free to experiment with different types like sun-dried tomato or kale. • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated) – Brings creaminess and a savory kick; nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan alternative. • ¼ cup pine nuts (optional) – Provides a crunchy texture and nutty essence; swap for toasted almonds or leave out for a nut-free version. • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) – Adds a refreshing brightness; a splash of lemon juice works as a substitute in a pinch. • Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential for the finishing touch; season according to preference. For Garnish • Fresh basil (optional) – Elevates both presentation and flavor; can be replaced with arugula or parsley for a different touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pesto Couscous Step 1: Boil Water and Salt In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ¾ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over medium-high heat. Stir briefly to ensure the salt dissolves, and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. This step sets the flavor foundation for your Pesto Couscous, ensuring it’s well-seasoned right from the start. Step 2: Cook the Couscous Once the water is boiling, add 1 1/2 cups of pearl couscous to the saucepan. Stir it gently, then cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the couscous to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the water is absorbed, and the couscous is tender and plump, giving it a beautiful texture. Step 3: Fluff the Couscous After the 10 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the couscous gently. This step is crucial as it prevents the grains from becoming gummy, allowing each pearl to stand out. Set the fluffiness aside and let it cool slightly while you prepare the next ingredients for the Pesto Couscous. Step 4: Toast the Pine Nuts In a dry skillet over medium heat, add ¼ cup of pine nuts and toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch closely as they turn golden brown and fragrant, which adds a delightful crunch to your dish. Remove them from the heat to prevent burning and let them cool. Step 5: Combine Ingredients In the saucepan with the cooked couscous, stir in ½ cup of pesto, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until every grain of couscous is coated with the vibrant pesto, allowing the rich flavors to meld together beautifully. Step 6: Season and Serve Taste the Pesto Couscous and season with salt and pepper to your preference, mixing well. Once the seasoning is just right, serve it warm, sprinkled with the toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes! Make Ahead Options These Pesto Couscous preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on weeknights! You can prepare the couscous up to 24 hours in advance by cooking it, fluffing, and allowing it to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, mix the pesto into the couscous just before serving. If you choose to toast the pine nuts, do so ahead of time and keep them in a separate container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the couscous gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, stir in the pesto, and garnish with the toasted pine nuts. This way, your Pesto Couscous can be just as delicious with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Pesto Couscous Homemade Pesto: Using homemade pesto can elevate your dish with fresher, more complex flavors compared to store-bought options. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the couscous as it cooks; overcooking can make it mushy. Fluff gently with a fork to maintain its texture. Perfectly Toasted Nuts: Ensure your pine nuts are toasted until golden brown but not burnt for the best taste; burnt nuts can be unpleasant and ruin the dish. Customize: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors of pesto; incorporating sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto adds unique twists to your Pesto Couscous. Seasoning Wisely: After mixing in the pesto and cheese, taste your Pesto Couscous and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference for the perfect balance. Storage Tips for Pesto Couscous Fridge: Store leftover Pesto Couscous in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious on day two! Freezer: You can freeze Pesto Couscous in portions for up to 2 months. Place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. Serving: This delightful dish can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing salad or warm as a comforting side. Pesto Couscous Variations & Substitutions Customize your pesto couscous and let your culinary creativity shine with these delightful options! Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Substitute basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich, savory twist. This will infuse your couscous with a warm Mediterranean flavor. Arugula Pesto: Use arugula instead of basil for a peppery kick. This variation adds a unique depth to your dish, making it even more extraordinary. Kale Pesto: Swap traditional pesto with kale pesto for a nutrient-packed alternative. The kale provides a hearty texture and earthy flavor that complements the couscous beautifully. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb version, replace couscous with spiralized zucchini. This will create a fresh, light dish that still brings all the vibrant flavors together. Add Veggies: Toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers, for added color and nutrients. This not only boosts the dish’s visual appeal but also enhances its healthfulness. Protein Boost: Mix in cooked proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform your side dish into a satisfying main course. This makes it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight! Nutritional Yeast: Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still offers that delightful, cheesy flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for vegans wanting to enjoy this dish. Spicy Kick: Elevate the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Just a sprinkle can awaken the flavors and give your palate a delightful surprise. These tips will undoubtedly take your pesto couscous to the next level! And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out our guide to vegetarian-friendly dishes for inspiration on how to enhance your meals. What to Serve with One-Pot Pesto Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts? Elevate your dining experience by pairing Pesto Couscous with delightful accompaniments that sing of flavor and freshness. Grilled Chicken: The smoky char complements the herby notes of the couscous, adding a savory depth to your meal. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal veggies brings out the bright flavors in the couscous while adding satisfying texture. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side that echoes the Italian theme beautifully. Lemon Herb Shrimp: Tender shrimp marinated in lemon and herbs adds a zesty contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience. The perfect drink can elevate your meal as well. White Wine Spritzer: Crisp and refreshing, a spritzer pairs well with the couscous, cutting through its creaminess with a light, bubbly touch. Iced Herbal Tea: A chilled tea infused with mint or lemon complements the dish’s freshness while offering a soothing drink option. For meal endings that are just as memorable: Tiramisu Cups: This classic Italian dessert rounds off the meal with a sweet, creamy finish, creating a delightful contrast to the savory couscous. Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, it cleanses the palate beautifully after the rich flavors of pesto. Pesto Couscous Recipe FAQs What type of couscous should I use? I recommend using pearl couscous for its delightful, chewy texture. You can also opt for whole wheat couscous if you’re looking for a healthier option. How should I store leftover pesto couscous? Store leftover Pesto Couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully over time, making the leftovers even tastier! Can I freeze pesto couscous? Absolutely! You can freeze Pesto Couscous in portions for up to 2 months. Place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. How do I know if my pine nuts are toasted perfectly? Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. They should turn a light golden brown and become fragrant. Watch them closely to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste. Is pesto couscous safe for people with allergies? Pesto Couscous may contain allergens like nuts (from the pine nuts) and dairy (from the Parmesan cheese). If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using nut-free alternatives like sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety for specific dietary restrictions. What should I do if my couscous turns out mushy? If you find that your couscous has become mushy, it may have been overcooked or stirred too much. To remedy this, gently fluff it with a fork instead of a spoon, and introduce a splash of olive oil or broth to help separate the grains. Remember for future meals: keep an eye on the cooking time – it only needs about 10 minutes! Delicious Pesto Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts Delight Pesto Couscous is a comforting dish combining fluffy couscous with vibrant pesto, perfect as a side or light main course. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: LunchCuisine: ItalianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Couscous Base1.5 cups pearl couscous Add whole wheat couscous for a healthier option.1.75 cups water Use vegetable broth for added flavor.1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust if using low-sodium options.For the Flavor0.5 cups pesto Try different varieties like sun-dried tomato or kale.0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated) Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative.0.25 cups pine nuts Optional; substitute with toasted almonds or omit.1 teaspoon lemon zest A splash of lemon juice is a good substitute.salt and pepper To taste.For GarnishFresh basil Optional; can substitute with arugula or parsley. Equipment Medium SaucepanSkilletForkLid Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto CouscousIn a medium saucepan, combine 1.75 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over medium-high heat. Stir briefly and bring to a rapid boil.Once boiling, add 1.5 cups of pearl couscous, stir gently, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the water is absorbed.After 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork to prevent it from becoming gummy.In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 0.25 cups of pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat to cool.In the saucepan with the cooked couscous, stir in 0.5 cups of pesto, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional 1 teaspoon of lemon zest until well combined.Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesUsing homemade pesto can elevate the dish's flavor. Ensure the couscous does not overcook and keep an eye on the pine nuts while toasting to avoid burning. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!