The $1.25 Dollar Find So Good I Buy 6 at a Time

Getting dinner on the table can feel like a circus, especially on a busy weeknight. I usually focus on getting the protein and a couple of veggies cooked, and the carb often ends up being an afterthought. Most nights that means plain rice or potatoes, which, while fine, aren't exactly sparking joy.

When I saw Abigail's Kitchen Mediterranean Couscous at Dollar Tree for $1.25, I popped a couple of bags into my cart to try.

This pre-seasoned couscous blend is flavored with Mediterranean herbs and spices, turning it from a simple pantry staple into something that adds excitement to our weeknight dinners. It's an uncomplicated and affordable way to get a delicious side on the table in about five minutes!

Why I Love Abigail's Kitchen Mediterranean Couscous

The speed factor alone makes this couscous a winner in my book. It's ready in about five minutes, faster than rice or pasta unless you opt for microwavable pouches. I add it to boiling water and a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, cover it, remove it from the heat, and let it sit while I finish the rest of dinner. There is also a microwave option if that's more your speed.

The pre-seasoned blend already has a ton of flavor via a combination of spices that go well together. The Mediterranean seasoning gives it a warm, aromatic quality with hints of garlic and herbs that pair beautifully with everything from grilled chicken and fish to roasted vegetables.

I like how light and fluffy it is. Unlike other quick-cooking grain options, it isn't mushy or overcooked. And though the Mediterranean flavors take it in a particular direction, it's also easy to adapt, making an excellent base for quick upgrades when I have a few extra minutes or ingredients on hand.

How I Make This Couscous

I love stirring in fresh lemon juice for brightness or adding canned chickpeas to make it more substantial. Sometimes, I'll toss in whatever fresh herbs I have—parsley, cilantro, even mint—and it instantly feels more sophisticated.

Adding cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, a handful of olives, and some lemon juice, I can easily transform it into an easy Mediterranean-inspired grain salad (or pseudo-Greek salad) I serve cold or at room temperature.

At $1.25, I can afford to keep several pouches in my pantry without thinking twice about it, so I always have a flavorful side option ready. This couscous delivers way more flavor and satisfaction than you'd expect for something this simple and affordable. I'm glad my weeknight sides no longer have to be an afterthought–at least for a couple of nights a week.

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