Curried Couscous is a great side dish that compliments Mediterranean meals and is perfect for barbecues. Microwave the couscous for easy prep and less cleanup!

Curried couscous is an easy side dish that you can put together in about 10 minutes. The entire dish can be made up to a day in advance and lasts in the fridge for about five days.
What I love about this dish is that it’s so easy to make and perfect for meal prep or dinner. The couscous makes the perfect base for a chicken bowl and is great topped with meat or grilled veggies.
This recipe is perfect served with traditional mediterranean fare like hummus, tzatziki, olives, and grilled chicken. I like to serve it with my Grilled Chicken Kabob Skewers and with a simple Italian Tomato Onion Salad.
Read on to see how easy it is to make this simple and healthful side dish.
How to Make Curried Couscous
This couscous is an easy and healthy side dish that’s ready 10 minutes! Filled with fresh ingredients, you’re going to love this simple recipe.
Firstly, you will need to cook the couscous. Here, instead of boiling the couscous on the stove, you can microwave and have it ready in four minutes.
Start by adding two cups of dried couscous (I used whole wheat, but regular works) in a large bowl. Pour in two cups of water, a teaspoon of kosher salt, and two tablespoons of butter.
Mix the couscous and microwave, uncovered, for 4 minutes. Let the couscous sit for a minute, then use a fork to fluff it.
How to make curry dressing
The dressing for this couscous is a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients. Taste for seasonings.
Assembling the curried couscous
Once the couscous has sat for a minute or two, you can begin assembling the dish. Here, you can use the ingredients listed or add whatever other veggies you have on hand.
Add the diced tomato, cucumber, and red onion to the couscous.
Lastly, add the dressing over the veggies and couscous and toss to combine.
You can serve the couscous warm or refrigerate for later use. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What to serve with curried couscous
This dish is a great side to serve at barbecues or have on hand for easy weekday meal prep. Here are some other great dishes to serve with this recipe:
Make-Ahead Greek Chicken is full of tangy mediterranean flavors like lemon juice and garlic.
Honey Lime Salmon is super simple to make and a great for meal prep.
Parsley Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a delicious and healthy salad full of veggies.
Asian Sesame Salmon is made with soy and garlic, and has so much flavor!
Farro Tabbouleh Salad is another mediterranean favorite and great with this couscous.
Marinated Chicken with a brown sugar balsamic sauce is the perfect chicken marinade.
Curried Chicken Salad Wraps are another delicious curry recipe.
What I love about Curried Couscous are the Mediterranean flavors and that it’s so versatile. You can add any veggies you have on hand. Grilled asparagus, corn, or cauliflower chunks would be great additions to the this salad. Moreover, toss with garbanzo beans and feta for a hearty meal or great salad topper.
If you love veggie filled sides, be sure to also try my Easy Vegetable Quinoa Salad. This salad is full of delicious Mediterranean flavors as well, and it’s super heart healthy.
To switch up flavors, I like to add parsley and feta to this dish sometimes, especially if I have leftovers during the week.
Curried Couscous
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat couscous can use regular couscous as well
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
- 2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place couscous, water, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and butter, in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high (uncovered) for 4 minutes and let sit for one minute. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk olive oil, curry powder, and lemon juice with salt and pepper to taste.
- To the couscous, add the cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. Pour on the curry dressing and toss to combine. Eat warm or refrigerate for later.
Heather Johnson
i don’t love couscous but i made this with rice and loved it!!!
Alison
So simple to make yet super flavorful! It could be a full meal or a side dish!
Gloria
This sounds like a wonderful side dish to chicken or fish. A nice change from potatoes or rice.
Michelle
Love all the fresh ingredients and the spiciness from the curry.
Tavo
I am loving this couscous recipe! Super flavor-packed and tasty!