Chicken and Couscous Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
In the gentle embrace of a balmy evening, when the sun slips below the horizon, and whispers of summer linger in the air, there’s something about a fresh, bright Chicken and Couscous Salad that brings comfort to the soul. It’s a dish filled with vibrant colors and delightful textures, reminiscent of sunny picnics and family gatherings around a cozy backyard table. This Chicken and Couscous Salad is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, one that evokes cherished memories and leaves you with a satisfied heart.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a summer potluck, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with colorful, fresh vegetables, providing a delightful crunch and a feast for the eyes.
- A versatile dish that’s crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly—everyone loves it!
- Perfect for meal prep; make it ahead of time for a healthy lunch throughout the week.
- Can be customized with your favorite toppings and flavors to keep it exciting!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious Chicken and Couscous Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken and Couscous Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Creating Chicken and Couscous Salad is a simple process, and following these steps will ensure a delicious result:
Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover it, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s fluffy, then fluff it with a fork.
Prep the Veggies: While the couscous is resting, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. The vibrant colors will create a stunning visual appeal in your salad!
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy couscous, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together to mix well.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This zesty dressing will brighten up all the flavors in your salad.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Serve and Enjoy! This salad can be served immediately, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for a bit to meld the flavors together. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Delicious Variations to Try
Add Some Crunch: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for a nutty bite that complements the creamy feta and zesty dressing.
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick that elevates this refreshing dish.
Herb Infusion: Switch up the herbs by adding fresh mint or dill for a fragrant twist that brings a whole new flavor dimension to your salad.
Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? Substitute with canned chickpeas or grilled shrimp for a protein-packed option that’s still delicious and satisfying.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy couscous.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers can easily be replaced with zucchini or carrots, depending on your preference.
Slicing Secrets: To avoid tears while chopping onions, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice to revive the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better when the flavors have a chance to meld. Prepare it a day in advance for best results.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to swap in any seasonal veggies or your preferred proteins.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this Chicken and Couscous Salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Wrapping It Up
This Chicken and Couscous Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and the joys of sharing a meal with loved ones. Whether it’s for an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch, it’s guaranteed to warm your heart and soul. Save this Chicken and Couscous Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every tender, juicy bite!
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Chicken and Couscous Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Chicken and Couscous Salad perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover it, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s fluffy, then fluff it with a fork.
- While the couscous is resting, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy couscous, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together to mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator to meld the flavors.
Notes
This salad is great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid soggy couscous.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken salad, couscous, summer recipes, healthy meal prep, Mediterranean salad