Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers

Highlighted under: Around World Recipes

Discover a vibrant dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the wholesome goodness of couscous. These stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients and flavor.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-04T14:42:30.779Z

These Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal dish for any occasion. The combination of couscous, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Mediterranean flavors that transport you to sunny coasts
  • Healthy and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner
  • Colorful presentation that impresses at any gathering

A Taste of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean region is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and colorful dishes. This Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers recipe captures the essence of this culinary tradition, bringing together the zesty notes of lemon, the richness of feta cheese, and the crunch of fresh vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that can transport you to sun-soaked shores.

Using couscous as a base provides a unique twist on traditional stuffed pepper recipes. This tiny pasta absorbs the flavors of the vegetable broth, creating a fluffy and savory filling that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the roasted bell peppers. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.

Health Benefits of Couscous and Peppers

Couscous is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. It's a great source of plant-based protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, couscous is low in fat and can be a wholesome alternative to rice or pasta, making it a smart choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Bell peppers, on the other hand, are packed with antioxidants and vitamins A and C. They contribute to a healthy immune system and skin health while adding a pop of color to your plate. This combination of couscous and peppers makes for a nutritious dish that is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers is their versatility and convenience for meal prep. You can prepare a batch of these peppers at the beginning of the week and store them in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a wholesome meal in minutes.

Moreover, this recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to swap out the vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add chickpeas for extra protein or substitute quinoa for couscous. This flexibility makes it easy to cater to various tastes while still delivering a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious stuffed peppers:

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers:

Prepare the Couscous

In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Prep the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the couscous mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers warm or at room temperature!

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint to the filling mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a light salad for a more substantial meal. A crisp arugula or spinach salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the flavors of the stuffed peppers beautifully, adding freshness and balance to your plate.

For a heartier option, consider serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish. The smoky flavors from the grill can enhance the Mediterranean experience, making your meal even more satisfying. Additionally, a side of tzatziki sauce can be a refreshing accompaniment, offering a creamy contrast to the stuffed peppers.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat well, making them perfect for quick meals throughout the week. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a faster option.

For longer storage, consider freezing the stuffed peppers before baking. Assemble them, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can always have a healthy, homemade meal ready at a moment's notice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different grain instead of couscous?

Yes, quinoa or bulgur wheat can be great substitutes for couscous.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake as directed when ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with these stuffed peppers?

They pair well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

Mediterranean Couscous Stuffed Peppers

Discover a vibrant dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the wholesome goodness of couscous. These stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients and flavor.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Around World Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  2. 1 cup couscous
  3. 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  5. 1 cup cucumber, diced
  6. 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  7. 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  8. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  10. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  11. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 04

Spoon the couscous mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.

Step 05

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Step 06

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint to the filling mixture.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 7g