Garden Vegetable Couscous

Ingredients
1 cup couscous
1/2 small orange bell pepper, stem and seeds removed
4 small scallions, white and light-green parts only
12 small yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus grated lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place couscous in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the couscous, cover, and let stand 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Cut bell pepper into 1-inch-long matchsticks, and add to the warm couscous. Thinly slice the scallions crosswise, and add to the bowl. Add cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice together. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over couscous, vegetables, and toss. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired, and serve