Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Highlighted under: Heritage Collection

I absolutely love this Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous! It's a vibrant dish that not only looks inviting but also bursts with flavor. I often prepare it on busy weeknights as it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and fluffy couscous is delightful, making it a perfect complement to any meal or enjoyed solo. It's a versatile recipe that you can easily customize based on the seasonal veggies you have on hand. I know you're going to enjoy it as much as I do!

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-21T20:13:34.521Z

When I first prepared Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous, I was amazed at how simple yet rewarding it was. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and makes a delightful contrast to the fluffy couscous. I remember experimenting with different herbs and spices one evening, and I discovered that fresh thyme truly elevates the dish!

Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s fantastic for meal prep too; I can roast a large batch of veggies and mix them with couscous for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to let your veggies cool slightly before combining—this keeps the couscous from becoming mushy!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh herbs provide a burst of flavor with every bite.
Colorful veggies make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.

      

Perfectly Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. For this Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous, use a mix of seasonal vegetables to maximize flavor and nutrition. Make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the vegetables during roasting; they should be tender and show golden edges, which takes about 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

If you want to experiment with different vegetables, consider adding carrots, eggplant, or even asparagus. Just be mindful of their cooking times; denser vegetables may need a few extra minutes. If you're short on time, a pre-cut vegetable blend is a convenient option, but fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavors and textures.

Couscous Cooking Tips

Cooking couscous is incredibly quick and easy, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly fluffy. Always use boiling vegetable broth instead of water; this adds depth to the flavor. After adding the couscous to the broth, remember to cover it tightly with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes without lifting the lid. This steaming process is crucial for achieving the right texture, making it light and fluffy.

Fluffing with a fork is important to separate the grains and avoid clumping. If you notice clumps even after fluffing, you could have added too much liquid during cooking. In that case, try adding a little more olive oil, which will help to separate the grains while enhancing the flavor.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Just be sure to refresh the herbs by stirring in some fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

If you’re looking to take this dish to the next level, consider adding a protein source such as grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling. Alternatively, a sprinkle of feta cheese or nutritional yeast before serving can add a savory richness that elevates the entire dish. Enjoy it as a vibrant side dish or as a main course!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous:

Ingredients for Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous

1 cup couscous
2 cups vegetable broth
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Once you have all your ingredients prepped, you are ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the vegetables

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the veggies

Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Cook the couscous

Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Combine and serve

Once the vegetables are done roasting, combine them with the couscous. Stir in the fresh parsley and thyme. Serve warm and enjoy!

And there you have it—an easy, colorful dish full of flavor!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by using whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors even more!

Enhancing Flavors

The fresh herbs used in this recipe not only add flavor but also provide vibrancy to the dish. For an even more aromatic experience, finely chop your herbs just before adding them to the couscous and roasted vegetables. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use parsley as the primary herb and reserve thyme for a subtle hint instead of using them in equal parts.

For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the vegetables before roasting. This adds a delightful warmth without overwhelming the dish, making it appealing for a wide range of palates.

Customizing Your Recipe

One of the great things about this Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous is its versatility. Feel free to customize the vegetable blend based on what you have on hand. For instance, adding roasted butternut squash during the fall season introduces a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the couscous beautifully. Likewise, a handful of arugula or spinach stirred in right before serving can add a fresh, peppery twist.

Moreover, consider using ancient grains instead of couscous. Quinoa or farro can serve as nutritious alternatives that pack a protein punch while maintaining the essence of the dish. Just ensure you follow the cooking instructions specific to those grains to get the best texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe for Herb Roasted Veggie Couscous can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. If you’re serving a large group, simply double all the ingredients. Remember to use a larger baking sheet, or roast in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.

For smaller portions, you can halve the recipe without any adjustments. Couscous is perfect for small servings since it’s quick to prepare. And if you have any leftovers, they reheat wonderfully, making this dish an ideal candidate for lunch the next day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Absolutely! Quinoa is a great alternative if you're looking for a gluten-free option.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or eggplant—just ensure they are chopped uniformly for even cooking.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that your vegetable broth is free from animal products.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.