Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Inspiration

I love making Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad for a refreshing and nutritious meal. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and vibrant vegetables creates a colorful and wholesome dish that's perfect for any occasion. I enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, the fresh herbs and tangy dressing elevate the flavors beautifully, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience that embraces the Mediterranean spirit.

Created by

Pippa Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T08:09:36.459Z

After experimenting with various salads, I found that the Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad truly hits the spot with its balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a dish that's hearty yet light. The trick I’ve discovered is allowing the couscous to soak up the dressing while it's warm, ensuring every grain is flavorful and infuses the salad with a lovely essence.

What keeps me coming back for this recipe is its versatility; I can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or proteins based on what I have on hand. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers for lunch—just add a splash of dressing, and you’re good to go!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Refreshing and vibrant medley of flavors
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep
Versatile with ingredient substitutions
Hearty yet light, ideal for warm weather

Couscous Cooking Tips

Cooking couscous correctly is crucial to achieving that fluffy texture. When bringing the chicken broth to a boil, ensure it's bubbling before adding the couscous. This ensures the grains absorb moisture evenly. After letting it sit, I recommend fluffing it with a fork rather than a spoon to prevent any clumping, keeping the couscous light and airy. If you find that you’ve overcooked the couscous, a splash of olive oil can help separate the grains.

For additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to the broth while it heats. This will infuse the couscous with a slight tang and enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, allowing for various ingredient modifications based on personal preference or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you could easily substitute the couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options provide a similar texture while boosting nutritional value. Just adjust the cooking method: quinoa usually requires a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and should be simmered for about 15 minutes.

If feta isn’t to your taste or you need a dairy-free option, vegan feta or even diced avocado can complement the salad beautifully. Additionally, substituting grilled shrimp or chickpeas for the chicken can cater to seafood lovers or vegetarians alike, while still maintaining a rich, satisfying flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep. To prepare it in advance, cook the couscous and let it cool before mixing in the other ingredients. I find that the flavors meld beautifully if you refrigerate it for an hour, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to three days without losing quality.

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. If you're planning to freeze it, keep in mind that the vegetables may soften after thawing, so it's best to freeze the couscous and chicken only, then freshen the salad with fresh veggies and herbs when ready to eat.

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients for this delightful salad!

Salad Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Once you have everything ready, it's time to mix it all together!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this scrumptious salad.

Cook the Couscous

In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth to boiling. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

Add Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, making sure everything is coated evenly.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to meld the flavors before serving.

Enjoy your Mediterranean adventure with each fresh bite!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or zucchini. For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a stand-alone dish, but you can also serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for a heartier meal. I love pairing it with a simple lemon herb salmon for an enhanced Mediterranean experience. Additionally, consider serving it in lettuce wraps for a light lunch, or as a filling for pita bread for a convenient portable option.

For a fun twist, you can serve the salad in bowls layered with a dollop of hummus at the bottom. This adds a creamy texture and additional flavor, making it a delightful presentation for gatherings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your couscous ends up clumpy, it might be due to overcooking or too much moisture retention. Simply fluff it again, and if needed, incorporate a little olive oil to separate the grains. On the other hand, if the salad seems dry after combining the ingredients, a splash of extra dressing or a bit of lemon juice can help brightening it up.

Should you find the flavors lacking, consider letting the salad sit for a little longer at room temperature before serving. This allows the ingredients and dressing to mingle, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just add the dressing before serving to keep it fresh.

→ What can I substitute for couscous?

Quinoa or bulgur are great alternatives if you're looking for a gluten-free option.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Feel free to use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas as a protein substitute.