Name: Pesto Couscous Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous; 1 ¾ cups water; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup pesto (plus more to taste); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping); ¼ cup pine nuts (optional); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy dish to whip up in no time, this Pesto Couscous Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Combining nutty pearl couscous with the bright, herbaceous flavors of pesto and the salty richness of parmesan, this dish is a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning side to impress guests, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up view of pale yellow cooked pearl couscous inside a gray cooking pot. The round couscous grains fill the pot almost to the top, with a few granules sitting loosely on top. The pot is centered on a white marbled surface, with its black handle facing forward. The couscous grains have a smooth, slightly glossy texture and are packed closely together. The light shines from above, creating soft highlights and subtle shadows on the couscous, giving it a warm and tender look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and a pop of color. Each component plays a crucial role in making this Pesto Couscous Recipe so memorable.

Pearl couscous (1 1/2 cups): The larger, chewy couscous provides a lovely texture that carries the sauce beautifully.
Water (1 ¾ cups): Needed to cook the couscous perfectly fluffy without being mushy.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the couscous as it cooks.
Pesto (1/2 cup, plus more to taste): The star of the dish, bursting with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated, plus extra for topping): Adds umami richness and a creamy finish to the couscous.
Pine nuts (¼ cup, optional): Toasted for a crunchy contrast and a buttery, nutty note.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional): Provides a fresh, zesty brightness that elevates the whole dish.
Salt and pepper (to taste): For perfect seasoning and balance.
Fresh basil (for topping, optional): Adds a fragrant, fresh touch in both aroma and appearance.

How to Make Pesto Couscous Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Couscous

Begin by bringing 1 ¾ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, stir in the pearl couscous. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and let the couscous simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking locks in a tender yet chewy texture that’s essential for this dish. Once done, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts

While your couscous cooks, grab a small dry skillet and warm it over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Toasting intensifies their buttery flavor and adds a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the couscous.

Step 3: Combine with Pesto and Parmesan

Once the couscous is perfectly fluffed, stir in ½ cup of pesto, the grated parmesan cheese, and optional lemon zest. The pesto infuses the grains with its vibrant, herbaceous notes, and the parmesan melts slightly, creating a creamy coating that ties everything together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

Step 4: Garnish and Finish

Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top along with some additional parmesan cheese. If you have fresh basil on hand, scatter a few leaves over the dish for an extra burst of color and aroma. This step not only enhances the flavor but makes for an inviting and beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Pesto Couscous Recipe

A white bowl filled with small, round green couscous grains coated evenly in pesto sauce. On top, light brown pine nuts scattered along with thin shreds and small chunks of pale yellow Parmesan cheese. Fresh dark green basil leaves and thinly sliced basil add a fresh touch. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few basil leaves and Parmesan shards around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can truly elevate your Pesto Couscous Recipe. Toasted pine nuts add crunch and nuttiness, while a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese lends a savory finish. Fresh basil leaves provide a vibrant, fresh scent and a pop of green that brightens the dish visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulously versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared fish, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad for those lighter dining occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your pesto couscous in individual ramekins or small bowls, topped with microgreens or edible flowers. It also works fabulously as a colorful base for grain bowls, layered with roasted veggies and a drizzle of extra pesto or olive oil for a picture-perfect presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pesto couscous has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or easy dinner sides during the week.

Freezing

This Pesto Couscous Recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of the pesto and the couscous texture. Freezing is not recommended as it may cause changes in texture and flavor, especially with the cheese and fresh herbs.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the couscous in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to help restore moisture. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and freshen it up with a little extra pesto or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Yes, you can substitute regular couscous, but keep in mind that regular couscous has a finer texture and cooks faster. The flavor will still be great, but you might miss the chewy bite that pearl couscous provides in this recipe.

Is pesto homemade or store-bought better for this recipe?

Either works wonderfully, but homemade pesto adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor that elevates the dish. Store-bought pesto is a fantastic shortcut and can yield delicious results if you choose a high-quality brand.

Can I add vegetables to the Pesto Couscous Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers make an excellent addition, bringing color, nutrition, and extra flavor to the dish.

Should I use salted or unsalted pine nuts?

It’s best to use unsalted pine nuts since the pesto and parmesan already bring plenty of saltiness to the dish. Toasting them dry enhances their buttery flavor without adding excess salt.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This pesto couscous keeps well for a few days in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just remember to add any fresh garnishes like basil right before serving for the best flavor and appearance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Pesto Couscous Recipe; it’s simple yet full of flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser at any table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, easy to love, and always leaves you wanting more. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen rotation!