Easy Italian Couscous Salad with Chicken

5m
Prep Time
15-20m
Cook Time
20m
Ready In


"This is meant to be a quick and easy dish; so, I took advantage of a bottled salad dressing for this. Use your favorite; I used "Kens Steakhouse Northern Italian Dressing." It has a nice rich mix of Italian spices, herbs, and cheese. So, if you are using a basic Italian dressing, you may want to add a bit more cheese to yours. I tried to make this as easy as possible. It makes a great 'main salad dish,' for a weeknight or weekend. It was based on a Kens Steakhouse recipe."

Original is 4 servings
  • TOMATOES
  • SALAD
  • Garnish

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (486.6 g)
  • Calories 204.9
  • Total Fat - 1.9 g
  • Saturated Fat - 0.4 g
  • Cholesterol - 24.1 mg
  • Sodium - 351.3 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 33.4 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 5.7 g
  • Sugars - 10.1 g
  • Protein - 15.2 g
  • Calcium - 53.4 mg
  • Iron - 1.7 mg
  • Vitamin C - 54 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Chicken ... Set the chicken on the counter to take the chill off, and cut into cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Couscous ... Cook the couscous according to package directions. If you want, you can cook the couscous in chicken broth. It adds a lot of flavor, but it not necessary. Once the couscous is done; transfer to a larger serving bowl to cool, as you prepare the chicken and the rest of the salad.

Step 3

Saute ... Bring a saute pan (non-stick preferred) up to high heat. Then, add a little olive oil and chicken; and, saute 4-5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink. Make sure to stir continuously, so the cubes brown on all sides. Transfer the chicken to your serving bowl with the couscous, using a slotted spoon; and, stir to combine.

Step 4

Tomatoes ... Add the tomatoes to the same pan you cooked the chicken in; and bring to medium high heat. If needed, add a little extra olive oil. Saute just until they start to soften - you don't want them to burst open. The last minute, add the garlic; and stir to combine. Remove from the heat to cool a bit.

Step 5

Salad ... Add the scallions, basil, thyme, and some of the Kens dressing (or your favorite brand) to the couscous; and, mix to combine. You may need to adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper); or add more dressing if necessary. Couscous will soak up a lot of the dressing.

Step 6

Finish it by adding the tomatoes, and toss lightly. Try not to break them up as you toss the salad. Top with pine nuts - toasted or not. Personally, I like them either way.

Step 7

Serve and ENJOY! ... Add a simple green salad; maybe arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette. Or try a fresh bowl of fruit.

Tips


No special items needed.

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