Warm Chicken Citrus Couscous Salad
Warm Chicken Citrus Couscous Salad is a healthy, flavorful meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ok, you guys, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I got my inspiration for this salad from an airplane meal. Whaaat???
First of all, a meal on a plane? Second of all, a good meal on a plane? Weellll, here’s what happened.
Last week I went to Austin, TX for the Blogher Food conference and since my husband travels a ton and has a lot of miles, I used miles for my ticket. Well, it turned out, after a series of events, it was a better deal to fly first class. WOO-HOO!!
On my flight home, they were serving lunch. Lunch was a lovely grilled chicken salad with couscous, oranges, avocado and arugula. As I was eating, I knew I had to recreate this one at home, so I really tried to pinpoint all the flavors that were going on.
When I got home, I went to work to come up with my own version of warm chicken citrus couscous salad. I really wanted a salad that would be simple and take little time to prepare.
To save time, I used rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken and I used whole grain couscous to add a little more nutrition. This saves so much time, because there’s very little prep time.
The couscous literally takes less than 10 minutes and the dressing gets whipped up in minutes, as well. Other than that, the only prep work is cutting up an avocado and a couple of oranges.
I wasn’t sure what the salad on the plane was dressed with, but it had a little kick from some red pepper flakes. I decided that my Spicy Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette would be the perfect combination of flavors for my salad.
As I said, this dressing gets whipped up in minutes and it has amazing flavors. There’s a little kick from the jalapeño and the lime and cilantro keep the flavor bright and fresh.
So what do you say? How about an easy warm chicken citrus couscous salad on your table tonight?!
Warm Chicken Citrus Coucous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (7.6 oz) pkg whole grain couscous
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 packed cup arugula
- 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 recipe spicy jalapeno lime vinaigrette
- 2 oranges, peels removed and cut into chunks
- 1 avocado, cut into chunks
Instructions
ENJOY!
I’m a HUGE CousCous fan – I’m going to have to try this one out for sure!
If you like couscous, Heather, you’re going to love this!
What a lovely dinner dish! So colorful and so healthy. I would love to make this for my mom soon!
Thank Debi! I hope your mom likes it!
It sounds like a really delicious flavor combination and a super light, but satisfying meal.
Thanks Patty! It really is a satisfying meal!
What? I got a stinkin pack of pretzels? Guess I need to start ordering the food! This salad looks so bright and delicious. I love citrus flavors with chicken and the jalapeno vinaigrette has my name all over it.
Thanks, Julie! The jalapeño vinaigrette really makes the salad!
I always forget about couscous…I really need to cook with it more often! This looks delicious, Lisa!
Thanks Michelle! This was the first time I used couscous and it definitely won’t be the last!
Loving this wonderful couscous creation and the chicken component makes it a complete meal!
Thank you!
I love the combination of sweet and savory elements in this beautiful salad!
Thanks Justine! It’s so easy to make, too!
This is so beautiful! I love couscous but never thought to make something like this! I love the bright flavors of the citrus paired with a warm dish!
Thanks, Angela!
Looks like a perfect weeknight dinner! Quick, easy, and DELICIOUS!
Thanks Christie! It really is quick and easy!
Lisa, this is gorgeous!! I love couscous – and the citrus addition just puts it over the top! Had so much fun with you in Austin!!
Thanks, Michaela! Austin was SO much fun, I’m so glad we had the chance to hang out!
What a great looking salad! I bet this is way better than the airplane version. This salad is perfect for the lunch next week!
Thanks Sandra! I agree, this would be perfect for lunch!
So funny that you said you got the idea on a plane. That is where I got the idea for my carrot cake cupcakes with lemon curd. So weird where we find inspiration. This salad looks delicious and I know the creamy avocado and that fresh orange in there makes it awesome. I am going to have to give that dressing a whirl too!
I’ve been meaning to cook couscous more often! Can’t wait to try your recipe.