Chicken Couscous Salad

This Easy Chicken Couscous Salad makes a delicious alternative to boring sandwiches. This easy salad is kind of a cross between a pasta salad, a protein bowl and a fresh veggie platter – and is every bit as delicious as that sounds!

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Want a wholesome lunch that feels light yet filling? Why not make this Chicken Couscous Salad?

It features fluffy couscous and juicy chicken – mixed together so it’s satisfying. Then that hearty base is tossed with plenty of crisp vegetables. Finally, you finish the salad with a bright lemon and olive oil dressing – so every bite feels balanced and fresh.

So basically this salad is a cross between a sunny afternoon feast, a busy weekday lifesaver and a meal prep hero – and every bit as reliable as that sounds!

Ingredients in Chicken Couscous Salad

This ingredient list stays approachable and flexible, which keeps the whole process stress free.

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How to make Chicken Couscous Salad

This recipe moves at an easy pace and stays organized throughout.

1. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, coriander, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub gently so every surface stays coated.

2. Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, flipping once. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

3. Prepare the couscous

Place dry couscous in a bowl with salt. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it sit until tender. Fluff gently with a fork.

4. Chop the vegetables

Cut cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley into small, even pieces for balanced bites.

5. Slice the chicken

Cut rested chicken into bite sized pieces so it blends evenly into the salad.

6. Mix the dressing

Whisk lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

7. Combine everything

Add couscous, chicken, vegetables, and feta to a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently.

8. Rest before serving

Let the salad sit briefly so flavors settle and mingle.

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How to serve Chicken Couscous Salad

This salad works well as a main dish or a shared side. It fits lunchboxes, picnics, and relaxed dinners without needing anything extra. Serve it slightly warm or fully chilled depending on mood.

Leftovers hold their texture nicely and taste even better the next day after soaking up the dressing.

Recipe Tips

• Let chicken rest before slicing for juicier pieces.
• Fluff couscous gently to avoid clumps.
• Cut vegetables evenly for balanced texture.
• Adjust lemon to taste for brightness.
• Add feta last to keep its shape.

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Chicken Couscous Salad

Recipe by Amara CatherineCourse: SaladsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 small chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 cup dry Moroccan couscous

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup feta cheese

• ¼ cup red onion chopped

• 1 cup cucumber chopped

• 1 cup red bell pepper chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

• Season the chicken:
  Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, coriander, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub gently so every surface stays coated.
• Cook the chicken:
  Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, flipping once. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Prepare the couscous:
  Place dry couscous in a bowl with salt. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it sit until tender. Fluff gently with a fork.
• Chop the vegetables:
  Cut cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley into small, even pieces for balanced bites.
• Slice the chicken:
  Cut rested chicken into bite sized pieces so it blends evenly into the salad.
• Mix the dressing:
  Whisk lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Combine everything:
  Add couscous, chicken, vegetables, and feta to a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
• Rest before serving:
  Let the salad sit briefly so flavors settle and mingle.