Tuscan Couscous with Lemon Basil Dressing

Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Health score
1%
Tuscan Couscous with Lemon Basil Dressing
20 min.
12
110kcal

Suggestions


Discover the vibrant flavors of Tuscany with this delightful Tuscan Couscous with Lemon Basil Dressing! Perfectly suited for vegetarians and vegans alike, this dish is not only dairy-free but also a refreshing addition to any meal. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal side dish for gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner.

This recipe combines fluffy couscous with a medley of wholesome ingredients, including protein-packed cannellini beans, crisp cucumber, and briny kalamata olives. The star of the show is the zesty lemon basil dressing, which adds a burst of freshness and elevates the dish to new heights. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes each bite a delightful experience.

At only 110 calories per serving, this Tuscan Couscous is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a nutritious meal, this dish is sure to please. Serve it warm and watch as it becomes a favorite at your table. Get ready to savor the essence of Italian cuisine with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients

  • cup water 
  • 0.3 teaspoon salt 
  • 0.8 cup couscous uncooked
  • 0.3 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
  • tablespoons juice of lemon 
  • tablespoons vegetable oil 
  • tablespoon basil dried fresh chopped
  • 0.3 teaspoon salt 
  •  garlic clove finely chopped
  • drops hot sauce red
  • 15 oz cannellini beans rinsed drained canned
  • 0.5 cup cucumber unpeeled chopped
  • 0.3 cup kalamata olives pitted halved
  • 0.3 cup spring onion sliced
  • cup grape tomatoes cut in half

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. In 1 quart saucepan, heat water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to boiling.
  2. Remove from heat; immediately stir in couscous. Cover; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork.
  3. Meanwhile, in small nonmetal bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; mix well.
  4. In large bowl, gently toss cooked couscous, beans, cucumber, olives and green onions.
  5. Pour dressing over couscous mixture; gently toss until coated.
  6. Just before serving, add tomatoes; toss gently.
  7. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories110kcal
Protein15.22%
Fat23.51%
Carbs61.27%

Properties

Glycemic Index
17.58
Glycemic Load
7.09
Inflammation Score
-3
Nutrition Score
5.2486955730811%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.12mg
Hesperetin
0.36mg
Naringenin
0.12mg
Luteolin
0.02mg
Kaempferol
0.04mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
0.31mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:110.49kcal
5.52%
Fat:2.93g
4.51%
Saturated Fat:0.46g
2.85%
Carbohydrates:17.18g
5.73%
Net Carbohydrates:14.46g
5.26%
Sugar:0.65g
0.72%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:154.81mg
6.73%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:4.26g
8.53%
Manganese:0.33mg
16.3%
Vitamin K:16.66µg
15.86%
Fiber:2.72g
10.88%
Iron:1.58mg
8.75%
Folate:30.82µg
7.7%
Magnesium:28.39mg
7.1%
Copper:0.14mg
6.84%
Potassium:235.64mg
6.73%
Phosphorus:57.19mg
5.72%
Vitamin E:0.69mg
4.62%
Vitamin C:3.62mg
4.39%
Calcium:42.25mg
4.22%
Vitamin B1:0.06mg
4.08%
Zinc:0.56mg
3.71%
Vitamin B6:0.06mg
3.13%
Vitamin A:142.46IU
2.85%
Vitamin B3:0.53mg
2.66%
Vitamin B5:0.23mg
2.35%
Vitamin B2:0.03mg
1.89%