Chicken and Couscous Salad Recipe
Overview
This Chicken and Couscous Salad recipe is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken, fluffy couscous, sweet pineapple, crisp vegetables, and a refreshing mint dressing. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for spring and summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 – 1 tsp curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 360.1
- Fat: 8.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 72.6mg
- Sodium: 380.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.8g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 8.9g
- Protein: 31.1g
Instructions
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Prepare Couscous: In a non-stick pan, combine chicken broth, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and curry powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Cook Couscous: Add couscous to the boiling broth mixture, stir well, then remove the pan from heat. Cover and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
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Fluff and Cool: Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, diced cucumbers, red and yellow bell peppers, celery, and chopped green onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to mix all ingredients together.
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Prepare Dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine apple cider vinegar, water, olive oil, and chopped fresh mint. Shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
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Assemble Salad: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
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Serve: Arrange lettuce leaves on serving plates or bowls. Spoon the chicken and couscous mixture over the lettuce beds.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and nutritious Chicken and Couscous Salad!
Tips and Variations
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the couscous and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving.
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Additions: Feel free to customize this salad with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or toasted nuts for added crunch.
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Dressing Variations: Substitute fresh mint with cilantro or basil for a different herbaceous flavor profile.
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Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often meld together nicely overnight.
Nutritional Benefits
This Chicken and Couscous Salad is packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the couscous and vegetables, and vitamins from the fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a balanced meal that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to maintain a nutritious diet without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a colorful side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. Its tropical flavors and refreshing mint dressing make it a hit in warm weather, but it’s also delightful year-round.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Couscous Salad recipe from Love with Recipes is not only delicious and nutritious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With its blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick family meal, this salad ticks all the boxes for taste, health, and simplicity.