• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
May I Have That Recipe?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact Us
×
You are here: Home » Pasta

Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Oct 2, 2022 -May contain affiliate links

30 shares
  • 2
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 1 review
overhead view of a dish with roasted veggies and israeli cousous on a red surface

The beautiful, rich flavor of this Israeli Couscous with roasted vegetables makes a beautiful couscous salad perfect on its own or as a side dish for your dinner.

overhead view of a white serving dish with israeli couscous and roasted vegetables


Our couscous salad recipe is set apart by the delicious homemade creamy balsamic dressing and the perfectly seasoned vegetables for a dish you'll return to time and time again. Plus, it literally goes with anything!

What is Israeli Couscous?

Our Mediterranean couscous salad is made from a special form of wheat flour toasted pasta in the shape of tiny balls. This special pasta was invented in the 1950s in Israel when rice was hard to get. David Ben Gurion the Prime Minister at that time commissioned food companies to come up with a substitute for rice. The Ossem food company came up with ptitim, which is what we call in the US Israeli couscous or pearled couscous. When cooked, pearled couscous has a delightfully chewy texture and nutty flavor.

★ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ★

Delicious. Greek couscous salad is bright, beautiful roasted vegetables and pasta salad with a creamy balsamic dressing that is sure to please every palate.

Versatile. This lovely dish can stand on its own as a meal or serve as a side dish for an infinite number of meals.

Fast. In the time it takes to roast a tray of vegetables, you can pull together a tasty Israeli CousCous salad.

What Goes Into This Mediterranean Couscous Salad?

  • Corn. Kernels from 4 ears of fresh sweet corn,  or 2 cups of frozen corn, thawed.
  • Cremini Mushrooms. You may use white mushrooms.
  • Zucchini. Can be substituted with yellow summer squash if that is what you can find.
  • Cherry or Grape Tomatoes.
  • Scallions. Slice them up with the white and green parts.
  • Spices. Ground coriander and ground cumin.
  • Israeli Couscous. Also known as pearl couscous or ptitim.
  • Kalamata Olives. Pitted and sliced in half.
  • Feta Cheese. You may use vegan feta cheese.
  • Creamy Balsamic Dressing. Homemade dressing is so tasty that you won't want anything else.

How to Make this Israeli Couscous Salad (aka pearl couscous)

Making pearl couscous salad is so easy! Roast the vegetables, and when they are about halfway done roasting, make the couscous. When everything is ready, toss it all together with the dressing and olives and feta to serve. The result is a tangy and deliciously filling salad.

Ingredients for quinoa salad
Ingredients for quinoa salad seasoned in a baking sheet
roasted vegetables for quinoa salad

Cooking Israeli couscous for the salad

Follow the instructions on the packaging for your favorite couscous brand to boil the Israeli couscous in a saucepan while the vegetables are roasting. Cooking Israeli couscous is not hard; just try to time it to coincide the timing with the vegetables finishing up in the oven. Make sure to stir the couscous occasionally as it cooks.

What to Serve with Israeli Couscous

Pair this delicious dish, which is called ptitim in Hebrew, with the protein of your choice, or eat it as a meal in its own right. Sliced cucumbers, homemade hummus, red bell peppers, and pita bread all work very well as accompaniments for our pearl couscous salad.

This is a great dish to take to picnics or potlucks because it doesn't have to be kept warm and goes with everything.

Variations

  1. Choose your favorite vegetables to roast.
  2. Add red onion with the roasted vegetables.
  3. A dash of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest adds a nice brightness to your salad.
  4. Raisins or toasted almonds will add a nice touch of sweetness when stirred in at the end with the feta.
  5. Toss the salad with fresh herbs, fresh mint, fresh basil, baby spinach, parsley, or arugula for a touch of greens in your salad. You might even want to chop up some chives.
  6. Add a small amount of honey if you want a bit of sweetness to balance the more acidic balsamic dressing.
  7. Coarse Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper can be added to taste.
  8. Extra garlic is a welcome addition to the roasted vegetables for depth of flavor and character.
  9. A little dijon mustard adds an interesting flavor to your Israeli couscous recipe.

FAQ

What’s the difference between couscous and Israeli couscous?

All the different types of couscous are made with semolina flour which is ground durum wheat. Couscous is not a grain it's simply a type of pasta.

Moroccan Couscous: is made by rolling semolina flour and water into tiny irregular pieces. As its name indicates it originates in North Africa. Traditional Moroccan couscous is steamed slowly adding small amounts to obtain a fluffy and light couscous. The couscous most commonly sold in the US, is already pre-steamed Moroccan couscous. Simply follow the package instructions by soaking the couscous in boiling water. This Moroccan-style couscous will be ready to eat in 5 minutes. Enjoythis

Israeli Couscous also called Pearl Couscous: is also made from semolina flour and formed into small pasta balls that are toasted during production giving it a deep nutty flavor and different texture. It takes about 15-20 minutes to cook Israeli couscous. Learn about the history of Israeli couscous in the heading "what is Israeli couscous" found above.

Can I Use Moroccan Couscous Instead?

Yes. Moroccan couscous is different because it is steamed and not toasted, so you don't get that delicious nutty flavor. However, the dish will still work and will still taste good with Moroccan couscous it just won't be the same thing.

How long will Israeli Couscous salad keep?

Place leftover Greek couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you expect to have leftovers, add the feta on each plate as it is served to keep the cheese fresh. The salad should not be frozen.

How should I season and serve Israeli Couscous?

There are so many ways to eat and season Israeli cousoucs. In this recipe we seasoned it with coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Be sure to check out our other Israeli couscous recipes: Spicy Israeli Couscous Salad, Celery Sauce over Israeli Couscous , Roasted Butternut Squash with Israeli Couscous.

Is Israeli Couscous salad healthy?

In as much as this is a pasta dish, it does have carbohydrates in a significant number. However, the roasted vegetables and creamy balsamic dressing are both very high in nutritional value.

Do you have to rinse Israeli Couscous for this salad?

No. you don't rinse Israeli couscous after cooking it.

overhead view of a dish with roasted veggies and israeli cousous on a red surface

More Mediterranean Recipes to Love

  • Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash with Israeli Couscous and Veggie Sausage
  • Lemon & Celery Broth Over Israeli Couscous
  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
  • Israeli Couscous Salad with Spicy Dressing
  • Sweet and Savory Moroccan Couscous

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
overhead view of a dish with roasted veggies and israeli cousous on a red surface

Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Vicky and Ruth
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

The beautiful, rich flavor of this Israeli Couscous with roasted vegetables makes a beautiful couscous salad perfect on its own or as a side dish for your dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Kernels from 4 ears of corn,  or 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced. You may use white mushrooms
  • 2 small zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1-pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 9 scallions, sliced. White and light green parts
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 - 8 ounce pack of Israeli Couscous
  • 24 kalamata olive, pitted and sliced in half
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, you may use vegan feta cheese.
  • Our Creamy balsamic dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line 1 large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. Place the corn, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and scallions in a large bowl. Add olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. Toss well making sure all the vegetables get coated with the oil and spices.
  3. Transfer the vegetables to the baking sheet,  making sure they lay flat and there's space in between the pieces (it's important not to overcrowd the pan, use an additional baking sheet if necessary. Bake for 45 minutes or until desired tenderness.
  4. While the vegetables are cooking, cook the Israeli couscous following the package directions.
  5. When the veggies and the Israeli couscous are cooked, place them in a large bowl and toss them together with the olives. Drizzle as much Creamy balsamic salad dressing as desired. Right before serving top with feta cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup - without dressing
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6.1
  • Sodium: 454
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 2.4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 4.7
  • Protein: 6.6
  • Cholesterol: 8.3

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mayihavethatrecipe on Instagram and hashtag it #mayihavethatrecipe #tahiniandturmeric

More Pasta

  • Overhead image of a bowl of vegan pasta e fagioli soup. There are a salt and pepper shaker near the bowl as well as a fresh green plant and two spoons.
    Pasta e Fagioli Soup - Pasta and Beans Soup Recipe
  • Close-Up view of a bowl filled with spaghetti and meatless meatballs.
    Spaghetti and Meatless Meatballs
  • Side view of view of a high protein pasta puttanesca dish, with a forkful of pasta coming out of the dish.
    High Protein Pasta Puttanesca
  • An angular view of Vegan Mac and Cheese in blue dish
    Baked Mac and Cheese

NEVER MISS A RECIPE!

Subscribe to receive our latest recipes right in your inbox

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. juleezee

    October 03, 2022 at 8:16 am

    Yum! I am so making this as soon as I get all the components together! From growing up in Eastern Europe, Israeli couscous, called tarhonya in Hungarian, was always toasted in a bit of oil before adding boiling water and cooking it to al dente perfection.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

overhead view of a dish with roasted veggies and israeli cousous on a red surface
Picture of Vicky and Ruth creators of May I Have That Recipe

Welcome!

We are Vicky & Ruth, authors of the vegan cookbook Tahini and Turmeric. Born and raised in a multicultural Jewish-Lebanese-Spanish household our culinary journey began in Barcelona, Spain where we learned from our family the rich flavors of Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, and Spain. From our mother's fragrant Lebanese dishes to our grandmother's secret Sephardic Turkish specialties, our Moroccan friend's fragrant recipes, our sister's vibrant Israeli creations, and our neighbor's authentic Spanish fare, each dish was a key that unlocked new exciting yumminess.

More about us

Popular

  • Overhead view of a baking sheet with baked parmesan topped with thinly sliced zucchini
    Baked Parmesan Zucchini
  • Collage of lentil recipes pictures
    15 Lentil Recipes You'll Love
  • bird's eye view of a bow with vegan sour cream
    Cashew Cream - A Magical Vegan Sauce
  • three bowl of turmeric zucchini cauliflower soup
    Vegan Cauliflower Soup Recipe with Coconut Milk, Turmeric and Zucchini

Seasonal

  • Close up view of a bowl of cauliflower soup
    Vegan Cauliflower Soup With Saffron and Sumac Oil
  • A photo collage of best soup recipes
    33 Vegan Soup Recipes
  • a plate of dates stuffed with goat cheese topped with crushed pistachios
    Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese
  • Apple potato latkes with Silan tahini sauce on a green wood surface
    Potato Latke Recipe with Apples

Footer

overhead view of a dish with roasted veggies and israeli cousous on a red surface
Close up view of a bowl filed with vegan meatballs, sauce and veggies

join us!

Subscribe for emails and updates!

Stay updated on latest recipes!

    Built with ConvertKit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • About
    • ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you

    Copyright © 2012-2025 May I Have That Recipe LLC - Powered by Feast+