Grilled Zucchini & Herbed Labneh Bowl with Lemon Couscous and Crispy Lentils
This warm Mediterranean bowl layers charred zucchini, lemony couscous, and crispy spiced lentils over creamy herbed labneh. It’s finished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil — fresh, healthy, and wildly flavorful. A total chef’s table-style meal!
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Zucchini:
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, black pepper, pinch of chili flakes
For the Couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup hot vegetable broth or water
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Crispy Lentils:
1 cup cooked brown or green lentils (or canned, well drained)
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
Pinch of salt
Herbed Labneh:
1 cup labneh (or thick Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt & pepper to taste
To Finish:
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
Fresh parsley or mint leaves
Drizzle of olive oil + lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Grill the Zucchini:
Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Grill in a grill pan or skillet until golden and tender, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Prepare Couscous:
Place couscous in a bowl, pour hot broth over, cover, and let sit 5–7 minutes.
Fluff with a fork, stir in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and season to taste.
3. Crisp the Lentils:
In a pan, heat olive oil. Add lentils, paprika, cumin, and salt.
Cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until crisp.
4. Make Herbed Labneh:
In a small bowl, mix labneh with garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
Spoon herbed labneh onto the bottom of a bowl.
Top with a scoop of couscous, grilled zucchini, and crispy lentils.
Garnish with pine nuts, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Why You’ll Love It:
Balanced: Protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fresh herbs
Flavor-packed: Creamy, zesty, smoky, crunchy in one bowl
Modern Mediterranean: Inspired by the mezze table, but built for full-meal satisfaction
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: What can I use instead of labneh?
A: Thick Greek yogurt, whipped feta, or cashew yogurt for dairy-free.
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes! Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or spiced ground lamb.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Use vegan yogurt or tahini instead of labneh — delicious!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390
Protein: 14g
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~400mg