Butternut Couscous Bowls with Maple Vinaigrette

Introduction

If you’re searching for a vibrant, nourishing meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, these Butternut Couscous Bowls with Maple Vinaigrette are a must-try. This recipe delivers a beautiful harmony of roasted butternut squash, fluffy couscous, crisp greens, and a tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette. It’s an ideal crowd pleaser for lunch or dinner—simple enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love Butternut Couscous Bowls with Maple Vinaigrette

This dish stands out thanks to the perfect balance of flavors and textures—sweet roasted squash, tender couscous, crunch from toasted nuts, and a maple vinaigrette that ties it all together. The result is a hearty, plant-forward bowl that’s packed with nutrients, colors, and comfort. Even better, every component can be prepped ahead for effortless assembly throughout the week.

Crafting a Perfect Maple Vinaigrette

The maple vinaigrette is the star of this bowl, infusing every bite with subtle sweetness and brightness. Combine extra virgin olive oil, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until fully emulsified, allowing the flavors to meld. For a peppery kick, add a touch of freshly ground black pepper or a splash of lemon juice. The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Assemble Your Butternut Couscous Bowls

To build your bowls, start with a base of warm or room temperature couscous. Top with roasted butternut squash, a handful of arugula or spinach, and your favorite protein such as chickpeas or grilled chicken. Drizzle on the maple vinaigrette, toss lightly, and finish with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans for crunch. Add feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Bowl

Serve these bowls as a centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or as a colorful make-ahead lunch. Complement with crusty whole-grain bread, or offer as part of a holiday spread. The contrasting colors, fresh herbs (like parsley or mint), and vibrant dressing make the presentation just as irresistible as the flavor.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous bowls. Each serving provides approximately 350–450 calories, depending on toppings and protein choices. It offers a healthy balance of whole grains, plant-based protein (from couscous and nuts), vitamins, and fiber—making it a great addition to your meal plan for the week.

Butternut Couscous Bowls with Maple Vinaigrette (Recap)

Packed with flavor, colors, and enticing textures, these bowls are a wholesome way to enjoy seasonal produce. The maple vinaigrette unifies everything in this healthy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a streamlined shopping list with all ingredients sorted by grocery section—ideal for fast, efficient grocery runs and organized meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
2. While squash roasts, cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Prepare the maple vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper (plus lemon juice if using) until smooth and emulsified.
4. To assemble, divide couscous among four bowls. Top with arugula or spinach, roasted squash, chickpeas, and feta (if using). Drizzle with maple vinaigrette.
5. Sprinkle with toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs. Serve immediately or store components separately for easy meal prep.

Weekly Meal Planning

This bowl is a standout choice for meal prep and weekly meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal planner to automatically generate smart shopping lists and organize your week’s meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines ingredient amounts across all planned meals for streamlined shopping
• Organizes grocery lists by store section for efficiency
• Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate purchases
• Simplifies weekly meal prep for consistent healthy eating

Pro tip: When planning several recipes for the week, schedule all your meals so overlapping ingredients (like olive oil or fresh herbs) are consolidated in your grocery list. This saves money, eliminates guesswork, and ensures nothing gets forgotten at the store.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes