Description
A fresh and flavorful Easy Chicken Couscous Salad combining fluffy couscous, grilled seasoned chicken breasts, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon olive oil dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Protein
- 1 cup couscous (instant or pearl)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Dressing and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Heat chicken broth or water to a boil, season with salt, then stir in the couscous. Cover and remove from heat, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes fluffy.
- Season and grill the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs: While the chicken grills, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh herbs for garnish.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a light and tangy dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the fluffy couscous with sliced grilled chicken and chopped vegetables. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to blend all the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the salad as a vibrant garnish and serve immediately for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- You can substitute water with chicken broth to enhance the couscous flavor.
- If grilling is not an option, the chicken breasts can be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- This salad can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
