Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing vegetarian couscous salad featuring bright citrus, fresh herbs, and toasted almonds inspired by the points of a compass rose. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs Israeli couscous, Vegetable broth, large, peeled and segmented Orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup Israeli couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Add 1 large peeled and segmented orange, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve cold or at room temperature as a light side or vegetarian main dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep israeli couscous from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Compass Rose Citrus and Herb Couscous Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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