Dinner

Courgette, Chilli & Mint with Pearl Couscous Recipe

Name: Courgette, Chilli & Mint with Pearl Couscous Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 100g pearl couscous; 400g courgettes, roughly chopped; ½ red onion, sliced; 1 red chilli, deseeded if less heat preferred, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced; 10g mint leaves, picked and finely chopped, plus a few whole leaves to serve; ½ lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 50g light Greek-style salad cheese

BySophie Carsel January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant courgette, chilli, and mint dish with pearl couscous is a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures. It’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or a colorful side dish.

Two white plates sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a dish made of small, light beige grains forming a base layer. On top, there are golden-brown grilled zucchini slices with green skins, scattered with small white crumbles of cheese. The dish is garnished with green mint leaves and tiny red chili flakes, adding a mix of colors and textures. Near the plates, there are two forks and a knife on the surface, with a light-colored cloth partially visible on the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

100g pearl couscous
1 tbsp olive oil
400g courgettes, roughly chopped
½ red onion, sliced
1 red chilli, deseeded if you prefer less heat, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
10g mint, leaves picked and finely chopped, plus a few whole to serve
½ lemon, juiced
1 tbsp honey
50g light Greek-style salad cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pearl couscous according to the pack instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the courgettes and sliced red onion. Fry, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped chilli and garlic, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir through the chopped mint, lemon juice, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Divide the cooked couscous between plates. Top with the courgette mixture, crumble over the Greek-style salad cheese, and scatter with whole mint leaves to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, toast the pearl couscous in a dry pan before cooking.
Swap the red chilli for a milder pepper or omit it for less heat.
Try adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
Use feta instead of Greek-style salad cheese for a stronger flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the couscous seems dry. It can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.

How to Serve

Two white plates are on a white marbled surface, each filled with a layer of small, round, light beige couscous grains covering the whole plate. On top, there is a layer of cooked zucchini slices that are green with light brown sear marks. Scattered over the zucchini are small pieces of white crumbly cheese and small green mint leaves. There are a few pieces of red chili flakes sprinkled around. A silver fork is placed near each plate, with a silver knife below one plate, and a white cloth with pale blue patterns is also visible near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Yes, but cooking times will vary. Regular couscous cooks faster and has a finer texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly and watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

You can make it vegan by omitting the Greek-style salad cheese or replacing it with a plant-based cheese alternative.