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Easy Chicken Couscous Salad in a large bowl with grilled chicken and vegetables

Easy Chicken Couscous Salad: The Ultimate Quick and Healthy Weeknight Meal

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

A bright and refreshing chicken couscous salad packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
  • Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

2. Season chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.

3. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion and bell pepper, and chop parsley, mint, and cilantro.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

5. In a large bowl, combine couscous, chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.

6. Top with feta cheese and olives if desired, then serve immediately or chill before serving.


Notes

Use pearl couscous for a chewier texture or instant couscous for quicker prep.

Let couscous cool before mixing to prevent wilting the vegetables.

This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

Add chickpeas or swap chicken for grilled shrimp for variation.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg