Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad
Elevate your lunchtime routine with this vibrant Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad, a perfect harmony of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty sesame-ginger sauce, then paired with fluffy couscous and crisp vegetables like red bell peppers, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. A drizzle of the aromatic sesame-ginger dressing ties it all together, while toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome salad is a quick and satisfying option that’s perfect for meal prep or a light dinner. Packed with protein and colorful veggies, it’s a flavorful way to eat healthy without compromise.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the sesame-ginger marinade and dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside half of this mixture to use as a dressing.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, shredded carrot, and sliced green onions. Add the cooked chicken and toss gently.
Add the dressing: Pour the reserved sesame-ginger dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Finish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor.
Serve: Divide the salad into bowls or plates and serve immediately. Enjoy your Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1457 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.6 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 296 mg | 99% | |
| Sodium | 3581 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 92.3 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 126.1 g | 252% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2278 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
