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; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cultural Favorites

I love how vibrant and fresh this Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad is! The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy couscous, and colorful vegetables creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. I often make this salad for gatherings or meal prep for the week, as it's versatile and easy to whip up in no time. With bright Mediterranean flavors and the added crunch of fresh herbs, this salad always brings a smile to my face and fills me with joy!

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:17:36.396Z

When I first made this Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad, I was looking for a quick, healthy dinner option that would also impress my guests. The combination of seasoned chicken, tender couscous, and a rainbow of vegetables exceeded my expectations, both in flavor and presentation. I found that toasting the couscous briefly before cooking it enhances its nuttiness, giving the dish an extra depth of flavor.

Moreover, what really brings this salad to life is the bright lemon dressing mixed in at the end. I love how it ties all the ingredients together with a zesty kick, and it’s the perfect balance against the richness of the chicken. This salad has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors that brighten your palate
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins
Perfectly filling yet light—ideal for lunch or dinner

Couscous: The Perfect Base

Couscous serves as a wonderful base for this salad, absorbing the rich flavors from the chicken and dressing. When cooking couscous, it’s important to use chicken broth for an added depth of flavor. As the couscous steams, it will plump up, becoming light and fluffy. Be careful not to overcook it; a properly cooked couscous should have a slight bite, retaining a firm yet tender texture that complements the crisp vegetables.

If you’re looking for alternatives to couscous, quinoa or farro would also work beautifully in this salad. Both grains maintain a similar fluffy texture when cooked correctly. Just be sure to adjust your cooking liquid ratios—quinoa typically requires a 2:1 ratio of water to grain—and allow for a longer cooking time compared to couscous.

Herbs and Vegetables: A Flavor Explosion

The fresh parsley and flavorful kalamata olives are not just for garnish; they elevate this salad with a burst of Mediterranean taste. When chopping herbs, use a sharp knife to prevent bruising, which can release bitter flavors. If you’re not fond of parsley, feel free to substitute it with fresh basil or mint to give the salad a unique twist. Similarly, the olives provide a salty contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile, so consider using a mix of green and black olives for added complexity.

Adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini could also enhance the texture and nutritional value of the salad. Just remember to dice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and ease of eating. For a bit of extra crunch, you could even roast the vegetables lightly to intensify their natural sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips and Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors meld beautifully if allowed to sit for a bit in the refrigerator. I usually prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just note that the tomatoes may release moisture, so consider adding them just prior to serving if you prefer a firmer texture. This dish holds well for up to three days in the fridge, making it a convenient option for lunches throughout the week.

For serving, I recommend presenting this salad on a large platter, drizzling the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh. You can also serve it alongside grilled bread or a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean experience. If you're entertaining, consider pairing this salad with grilled shrimp or lamb to elevate the meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 cup couscous
2 cups chicken broth
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

How to Make

Cook the Couscous

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork once cooked.

Prepare the Chicken

Grill the chicken breasts until they are cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let them rest and then slice thinly.

Mix the Salad

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

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine well. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Adding toasted pine nuts or chickpeas can enhance the texture and protein content.

Storage and Freezing

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy, try to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it. The flavors will develop over time, so it may taste even better the next day! However, avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the couscous and vegetables will deteriorate once thawed.

For best results when storing fresh herbs like parsley, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and place them in a resealable bag. This method helps maintain their freshness and vibrant color, ensuring they remain a delicious component of the salad for longer.

Variations and Dietary Swaps

Feel free to get creative with this salad by incorporating different proteins, such as chickpeas for a vegetarian option or grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese or mozzarella can provide a lovely creaminess that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the calories.

For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can substitute the couscous with cauliflower rice to maintain the fresh taste while reducing the carbs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

→ Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies or a plant-based protein like chickpeas.

→ What can I substitute for couscous?

Quinoa or bulgur wheat are great substitutes if you're looking for a gluten-free option or just want to try something different.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.