The zesty notes of lemon pepper bring the pork cutlets to life, perfectly complementing the charred sweetness of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Paired with fluffy couscous and salty bursts of crumbled feta, this dish is a powerhouse of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
With a prep and cook time of just 15 minutes, this is your go-to weeknight meal when time is short but you still want to eat well. Bright, vibrant, and effortlessly satisfying, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious—and you can cook everything in one pan with minimal mess.
Full Recipe:
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2 pork cutlets (about 200g/7oz each, bone-in, room temperature)
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1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
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2 tbsp olive oil, divided
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2 zucchinis, sliced
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1 small red bell pepper (capsicum), sliced
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1 small red onion, sliced
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1/2 small lemon
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1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
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1/2 cup couscous
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1/2 cup boiling water (or vegetable/chicken broth)
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50g (1.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges, to serve (optional)
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine couscous and boiling water. Cover with cling wrap and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Season both sides of the pork cutlets with lemon pepper, patting it in so it adheres well.
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Cook pork cutlets for about 2 minutes on the first side and 1.5 minutes on the second side, or until desired doneness. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and rest.
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In the same pan, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 1 minute, then add zucchini and cook until charred and tender.
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Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in grilled vegetables, mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
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Plate the couscous mixture, top with pork, and sprinkle with crumbled feta. Drizzle with pan juices and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 662 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
A Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Meal: Lemon Pepper Pork with Grilled Veggies & Feta Couscous
Lemon Pepper Pork with Grilled Veggies & Feta Couscous is more than just a 15-minute meal—it’s a balanced, vibrant dish that brings together bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and nutritional balance. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this meal captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking while using simple pantry staples. From the tangy notes of lemon pepper seasoning to the earthy sweetness of grilled vegetables and the creamy bite of feta cheese, every component of this dish works harmoniously together to create a satisfying experience.
The Beauty of Lemon Pepper Seasoning
One of the secrets behind the recipe’s explosive flavor lies in its use of lemon pepper seasoning. Often underestimated, this versatile blend is much more than just lemon zest and cracked pepper. A good lemon pepper mix contains dried lemon peel, black pepper, garlic, onion powder, parsley, and salt—all ground together to create a flavor bomb that can season meats, vegetables, and even grains like couscous with minimal effort. It eliminates the need for marinating or creating a spice rub from scratch, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
The citrusy brightness from the lemon element cuts through the richness of the pork cutlets, while the pepper provides just the right amount of heat. It’s this balance that gives the pork its signature zing, complementing the slightly smoky grilled vegetables and the salty bite of feta cheese beautifully.
Couscous: The 5-Minute Wonder Grain
Couscous is an unsung hero in the kitchen for those who want fast, nutritious meals. This tiny pasta, made from semolina wheat, cooks in mere minutes when combined with hot liquid. In this recipe, couscous acts as the starchy backbone that ties the protein and vegetables together. Its fluffy texture soaks up the lemony juices from the pork and the olive oil from the grilled vegetables, absorbing flavor while adding a lightness to the dish.
What makes couscous so ideal is its adaptability. While it’s often seen in North African or Mediterranean cuisine, it easily takes on different global flavors. Here, it becomes the perfect base for charred vegetables and crumbled feta, enriched further by mint and a splash of lemon juice.
Grilled Vegetables That Steal the Show
Char-grilled zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion don’t just provide color—they deliver complexity and depth. Grilling vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and introduces subtle smokiness that contrasts the zing of lemon pepper pork. The caramelization adds a layer of umami, turning simple veggies into flavor-rich components that anchor the dish.
Moreover, the choice of vegetables is intentional. Zucchini holds its shape and grills quickly, bell peppers add crunch and sweetness, and red onion offers mild sharpness and bite. The trio ensures that each bite includes a balance of textures and flavors. This medley also makes the dish versatile—you can easily swap in other vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes depending on the season or what’s in your fridge.
Feta: The Finishing Touch
Feta cheese is an ideal finisher in this dish. Its crumbly texture and salty flavor punctuate every bite with richness, cutting through the grilled elements and enhancing the lemony tang of the pork. Feta is also a budget-friendly ingredient that goes a long way. Because it’s so flavorful, a small amount has a big impact.
Additionally, feta doesn’t melt like mozzarella or cheddar. Instead, it softens slightly on the warm couscous and vegetables without losing its shape, creating beautiful contrast in both texture and appearance. Its salty creaminess is exactly what’s needed to round off the dish and make it feel complete.
The Importance of Balance in This Meal
This dish represents an ideal balance between protein, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. The pork cutlets provide lean protein, couscous offers carbohydrates to sustain energy, and olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats that are heart-healthy. Vegetables bring in a variety of micronutrients—like potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants—while feta offers calcium and flavor.
The use of fresh mint not only adds a touch of brightness and a pop of color but also aids digestion and lifts the flavor profile of the entire dish. Lemon juice adds acidity, which balances out the saltiness of the feta and seasoning, and elevates the fresh profile of the vegetables. All these elements working together result in a dish that satisfies your cravings without feeling heavy or overly indulgent.
Why This Recipe Works for All Skill Levels
Even if you’re not an experienced cook, this dish is nearly foolproof. It doesn’t require specialty cooking techniques or fancy tools—just a skillet or grill pan, a bowl, and basic utensils. The couscous cooks itself in a bowl with boiling water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. The vegetables don’t need to be grilled to perfection—just a quick sear to get some char marks will do. And the pork is easy to monitor, thanks to its thin cut and quick cook time.
There’s also room for error. Overcook the pork slightly? The feta and lemon juice will help moisten it. Don’t have mint? Swap it with basil or parsley. No red onion? Shallots or scallions will do the trick. This recipe is both forgiving and adaptable, making it suitable for home cooks at any skill level.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
This meal is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook the pork and vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently before serving. The couscous holds up well in the fridge and doesn’t clump like rice, making it perfect for leftovers or lunchboxes.
Alternatively, the components can be served cold as a salad-style dish. Thinly sliced pork served over cold couscous and grilled vegetables, dressed with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, makes a satisfying lunch. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, meaning the leftovers might taste even better the next day.
Versatility and Substitution Ideas
This dish’s flexible format means you can tailor it based on your diet or available ingredients. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the pork for grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or even marinated tofu. On a gluten-free diet? Use quinoa or millet instead of couscous. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese, shaved parmesan, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
You can also switch up the herbs—try dill or oregano for a different flavor twist. Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch, or toss in a few toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds for added texture and richness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Lemon Pepper Pork with Grilled Veggies & Feta Couscous is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette for added freshness. For beverages, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy mocktail pairs wonderfully with the bright lemony flavors. For dessert, something light like a berry compote or a lemon sorbet would keep the citrus theme flowing without overpowering the palate.
This dish also works beautifully for entertaining. It’s impressive on the plate, colorful, and bursting with flavor, yet requires minimal hands-on time. Serve it family-style on a platter and let everyone build their plate—it’s casual, inviting, and utterly delicious.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Pork with Grilled Vegetables and Feta Couscous proves that weeknight meals don’t have to be boring or bland. With just a few pantry ingredients, fresh produce, and a touch of creativity, you can deliver a restaurant-quality meal in under 15 minutes. It’s light but satisfying, simple yet flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes or dietary needs.
The real beauty of this recipe lies in its balance—it’s nutritious without sacrificing taste, impressive without being intimidating, and fast without feeling rushed. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation. If you’re looking for a way to eat better while spending less time in the kitchen, this is the meal to start with.