Greek couscous bowls are a light and healthy main course or side dish filled with fresh vegetables, Israeli couscous and feta cheese.
Looking for a meatless main course? I’ve got you covered with these easy and healthy couscous bowls that are loaded with goodness from the garden.
I’m trying to come up with the best way to describe these Greek couscous bowls, but the picture really speaks for itself don’t you think? It’s like your favorite greek salad toppings, but on a bowl of lemon dill Israeli couscous instead of lettuce. These Greek couscous bowls make the perfect light and healthy dinner or side dish and they’re ready in less than 30 minutes.
How do you make Greek couscous?
These couscous bowls start with…couscous of course! I used the larger Israeli couscous here just because it adds more texture; you could use the smaller variety if that’s what you have on hand. The couscous is flavored with lemon, olive oil and fresh dill. Dried dill will not suffice here, go for the the fresh stuff!
After the couscous has been prepared, it’s time for the toppings. I used a variety of summer tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, red onion, olives, feta and more lemon and dill. To make the cucumber ribbons I used a mandoline but a vegetable peeler will also work. You can also just thinly slice the cucumbers if you prefer.
The finishing touch on these greek couscous bowls is a sprinkle of coarse salt and a drizzle of olive oil. The beauty of this meal is that it’s easily customized for the kids – my youngest devoured the lemon dill couscous without any toppings, the older girls had the couscous with olives, tomato and cucumbers and my husband and I had all of the toppings. Everyone gets what they want without any extra work on your part! Who can argue with that?
While I served this meal as individual bowls, you could absolutely double or triple the recipe and serve it on a platter for a party. It’s also a great dinner for a day when you’re in a hurry to get food on the table – chop the veggies while the couscous cooks and then you’re done. If you wanted an extra boost of protein you could add grilled shrimp or chicken on top but honestly I think this recipe is great as is, especially with all of the wonderful tomatoes in the markets right now.
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More Greek recipes you’ll love
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Greek Chicken Kabobs
- Chopped Greek Salad
- Greek Meatballs and Rice
- Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Couscous Bowls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Israeli couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 cups sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- lemon wedges coarse salt, dill sprigs and olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Israeli couscous according to package instructions (omit salt). Stir 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into the prepared couscous. Add the lemon juice, olive oil and dill to the couscous, stir to combine thoroughly.
- Divide the couscous into 4 bowls and top evenly with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion and feta. Sprinkle the tops of the vegetables with coarse salt and drizzle with olive oil. Add the sprigs of dill for garnish and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Dawn says
Hi! I will most definitely try this but I do have a quesiton I hope you answer: I see what appears to be, little white balls of something in the picture of this dish which I cannot identify nor do I see in the recipe. Can you tell me what they are? Thank you! Dawn
Sara says
The little while balls are the israeli couscous, sometimes called pearl couscous. It’s a form of pasta. Hope that helps!
Dawn Harriman says
Sara, Thank you so much for your quick response. I feel a little silly now but I will be kind to myself and say I just didn’t know and now I do thanks to you! I hope I can find these couscous and you know I will give it my best! Dawn
Sara says
No problem, I hope you enjoy it!
Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says
Such a pretty and light salad! Couscous is another thing I need to try again!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit says
These flavors in here sound so amazing! And the perfect make ahead meal!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
What a gorgeous summer bowl of deliciousness – Pinned!
Sara says
Thanks for pinning!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
These are so colorful and pretty, Sara. The pearl couscous always adds a beautiful touch and fun texture. Great recipe!
Sara says
Thanks Andi, I went with the pearl couscous because I knew the kids would eat it!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
These bowls are my kind of dinner! Love all of the goodness going on in them!
Sara says
Thanks Justine, I’m sort of in love with this recipe! 😉
Tirralan @ Tinseltown Mom says
I think this is the best looking meal I’ve seen in a long time. Pinning it now.
Sara says
Thanks so much! 🙂
Kim - Liv Life says
Lemon Dill Israeli Cous Cous… oh yes please!! I think you may have just made my all time favorite dish!!
Sabrina says
I love this dish! I grew up eating couscous and feta vegetable salads so putting them together for me seems so organic! Looks fantastic too 🙂
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
Simply beautiful. I love Greek cuisine and this couscous bowl is so simple (and I now wish I picked up feta cheese the other day!)
Sara says
Thanks Kacey, sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones ;)!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
Beautiful! Love everything in this salad – and fresh dill is awesome!
Sara says
I agree, I love everything dill!
Marye says
This looks beautiful, and so yummy! I totally want to try this!
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
YES, those pictures scream DELICIOUS! I have a luncheon next week and I am assigned a side dish, I am definitley making this-just gorgeous!
Sara says
Thanks Amy, I hope everyone at your luncheon loves it!
Manila Spoon says
A gorgeous and delicious dish as usual and something I can enjoy for lunch or when I fancy a light and healthy dinner! Lovely flavors and colors in here, too!
Sara says
Thanks so much!
cristina says
It does speak for itself…This is a beautiful dish of favorite flavors and like that it can either be a healthful side or a filling main. Pinning and a must-make! 😉
Sara says
Thanks for pinning Cristina, hope you enjoy it!