Caprese Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts

Caprese Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts

This Caprese Couscous salad combines fluffy pearl couscous with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and crunchy toasted pine nuts. A light lemon-balsamic dressing ties everything together for a refreshing yet satisfying dish that works as a main or a side. Perfect for summer or a light Mediterranean-style meal.

Time

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Couscous Salad

1 ½ cups pearl couscous

2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water with ½ tsp salt)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls ,halved

½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic for lighter flavor)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp honey

½ tsp sea salt

Instructions

Cook the Couscous

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.

Add couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until tender.

Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

Toast the Pine Nuts

Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Add pine nuts and toast, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from pan immediately.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and salt.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion.

Pour the dressing over and toss gently.

Finish & Serve

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and cracked black pepper on top.

Serve slightly warm or chilled.

Notes & Tips

Mozzarella swap: Use feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist.

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a fuller meal.

Make ahead: Couscous can be cooked a day ahead — store in fridge and dress just before serving.

Nut-free option: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
A: Yes, but the texture will be finer. Reduce liquid to 2 cups and cooking time to about 5 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent couscous from sticking?
A: Fluff with a fork after cooking and toss with a drizzle of olive oil before mixing with other ingredients.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely — swap mozzarella for vegan mozzarella or avocado cubes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~340

Protein: 12g

Fat: 15g

Carbs: 39g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 360mg