This delectable Couscous Chicken Salad combines pearl couscous, grilled or cooked chicken, bell pepper, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, and feta cheese, all tossed with a paprika vinaigrette. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm for dinner or served cold for lunch the next day.
Salads are a fantastic way to incorporate fresh veggies into your meals while also providing a good source of protein. There’s something about mixing leafy greens, vegetables, and meat that just makes you feel better, isn’t there? I know I certainly feel rejuvenated!
Couscous Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Chicken: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, making it an excellent choice for summer. However, you can also use rotisserie or poached chicken all year round.
- Couscous: I prefer using pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) because of its size and texture. It’s toasted in olive oil before boiling, which adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Baby spinach
- Arugula
- Orange or yellow bell pepper
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Button mushrooms, sliced
- Flat-leaf parsley
- Vinaigrette dressing: Made with olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Steps for Making this Grilled Chicken and Couscous Salad
- Whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a one-cup liquid measuring cup to prepare the dressing.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir the couscous frequently until it turns lightly golden (about 4-5 minutes) to toast it. Then, add water and salt and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed (approximately 10 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, and chicken.
- Add the feta cheese and couscous to the bowl, but don’t mix them just yet.
- Whisk the dressing again to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and pour it over the salad.
- Mix everything together, allowing the heat of the couscous to warm the dressing.
Besides this wonderful Couscous Salad, my family also loves the Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s an easy and delicious option, perfect for the summer.
Looking for more salad ideas for lunch? How about trying Egg Salad, 4-Bean Tuna Pasta Salad, or Avocado Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps?
If you’re attending a cookout and need to bring a side salad, my go-to is Macaroni Salad. I have fond childhood memories of my Grandma making Three Bean Salad every summer.
Other great salad options include Ranch BLT Pasta Salad, Easy Chicken Salad, Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad, Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad, and Easy Ham Salad. Don’t forget about Loaded Red Bliss Potato Salad!
This recipe is adapted from Giada’s Israeli Couscous Salad with Smoked Paprika.
So, why not try this delightful Couscous Chicken Salad for your next meal? It’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide you with a healthy dose of veggies and protein. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Family Cuisine.
