Warm Roasted Vegetables Harvest Couscous Salad
A beautiful, nourishing bowl filled with fluffy couscous, caramelized roasted vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. The sweet-savory balance and warm spices make it taste like a Mediterranean harvest feast.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
1 cup butternut squash or sweet potato, cubed
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 small zucchini, diced
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, mild)
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Couscous
1 cup couscous
1 cup hot vegetable broth (or water + pinch of salt)
1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
¼ cup roasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts
2 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins
Handful baby spinach or arugula (optional)
Feta crumbles (optional but delicious)
Lemon-Herb Dressing
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper to taste
🍽 Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Spread squash, carrots, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme/oregano.
4. Toss well and roast 25–30 minutes, until golden and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Couscous
1. Add couscous to a bowl.
2. Pour hot broth over it, cover for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff with a fork, add olive oil/butter for softness.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the Warm Salad
1. Add warm couscous to a large bowl.
2. Top with warm roasted vegetables.
3. Add nuts, dried cranberries/raisins, and greens (if using).
4. Drizzle with dressing.
5. Toss gently and serve warm.
💡 Notes & Tips
Keep spices mild since you prefer non-spicy.
Add chickpeas for extra protein.
Swap couscous with quinoa for gluten-free.
Use pumpkin, mushrooms, or broccoli if you like.
Add a little pomegranate for beautiful color and sweetness.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Roast veggies in advance and warm before serving.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes — it becomes a beautiful Mediterranean couscous salad.
🔢 Nutritional Estimate
Calories: ~480
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 9g