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Chicken Couscous Salad

Chicken Couscous Salad

This chicken couscous salad combines fluffy couscous, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing, protein-packed meal ideal for meal prep or light dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: american fusion, mediterranean inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup dry couscous
  • 1 ¼ cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 cups cooked chicken grilled, roasted, or shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • ¼ red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup chickpeas optional for extra protein
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or almonds optional
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk or mason jar
  • Fork (for fluffing couscous)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Cook the Couscous
  1. Bring chicken broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains. Let cool slightly.
Prep the Chicken and Vegetables
  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it if using rotisserie chicken.
  2. Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley and mint.
  3. The goal is consistent sizing to ensure even bites and great texture.
Whisk the Lemon-Herb Dressing
  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, honey, Dijon, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk until emulsified or shake in a jar until creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust:
  4. More lemon → brighter flavor
  5. More honey → rounder sweetness
  6. More Dijon → extra tang
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, add:
  2. Fluffed couscous
  3. Chicken
  4. Tomatoes
  5. Cucumber
  6. Bell pepper
  7. Onion
  8. Herbs
  9. Chickpeas (optional)
  10. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated.
  11. Finish with feta and toasted nuts.
  12. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.