North-Scented Citrus and Mint Couscous Salad

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

Light and refreshing couscous salad bursting with citrus notes and fresh mint, perfect for a vibrant side or light meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs couscous, boiling water, finely grated orange zest into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 cup couscous in a large bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes until all water is absorbed and couscous is tender.
  2. Step 2: Fluff couscous with a fork, then stir in 1 tsp finely grated orange zest and 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest for bright citrus aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts on top just before serving to add a nutty crunch and garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does North-Scented Citrus and Mint Couscous Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 North-Scented Citrus and Mint 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 couscous from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in North-Scented Citrus and Mint 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 North-Scented Citrus and Mint 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 North-Scented Citrus and Mint 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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