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This Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad is the perfect combination of light, fresh ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal in a bowl. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it also gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together—making it an ideal option for both dinner and lunch leftovers.
Out of all the Chicken salad recipes I’ve shared here on Simple Nourished Living, this one has quickly become a new favorite.
How Many Calories and WW Points in Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad?
According to my calculations, each serving has 243 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
6 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Couscous – This quick-cooking grain provides a light and fluffy base for the salad. I used roasted garlic couscous for added flavor, but any plain or flavored couscous will work, or you can substitute with quinoa or bulgur for a different texture.
- Cooked Chicken Breast – Tender, lean chicken adds protein to the dish. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or grilled tofu could be great alternatives.
- Garbanzo Beans – These beans add heartiness and a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t have garbanzo beans, try using white beans, black beans, or even kidney beans for a different texture.
- English Cucumber – A crisp and refreshing vegetable that pairs well with the Mediterranean flavors. You can substitute regular cucumber if you don’t have English cucumber, just be sure to peel and remove the seeds. For a crunchier texture, bell peppers could also work.
- Grape Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, grape tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes are good substitutes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted tomatoes could be an interesting alternative.
- Fresh Parsley – adds brightness and a fresh, herbal note. You can swap it with fresh cilantro, basil, or oregano, depending on your flavor preferences.
- Fresh Mint – brings a refreshing, cool flavor. If you’re not a fan of mint, fresh basil or even a little thyme could be used instead.
- Green Onions (or scallions) – bring mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch. Shallots or red onions (used sparingly) can be substituted for a more intense flavor.
- Garlic Clove – A small but mighty ingredient, garlic adds depth and richness. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder or roasted garlic paste can be used, though fresh is always best.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – adds a zesty, citrusy tang that brightens the entire salad. Fresh lime juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
- Olive Oil – is the base of the salad dressing, giving it richness and smoothness. You can use any mild oil, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil, if preferred.
- Salt – enhances the flavors in the dish. Feel free to adjust to taste or substitute with a pinch of sea salt, kosher salt, or a salt-free seasoning blend if you prefer.
Recipe Notes
This Mediterranean Couscous Chicken Salad might require some chopping, but it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare—especially if you have leftover cooked chicken on hand. I used some leftover grilled chicken, but Rotisserie chicken is another great no-cook option that makes this salad even easier to put together.
The only cooking involved is bringing water to a boil for the couscous, and then you’re ready to go!
Recipe Variations
I love adding a teaspoon of Za’atar seasoning for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a delicious touch, but it’s completely optional—feel free to skip it or swap it out for your favorite spice blend.
For an extra boost of fiber, I also added a can of chickpeas. If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of tasty additions you can try:
- Halved Kalamata olives for a salty, briny punch
- Chopped artichoke hearts for a tender, earthy flavor
- Crumbled feta cheese to add some creamy tang
You could also substitute the chicken with leftover cooked shrimp or canned tuna for a refreshing twist. This salad is definitely on my “make again” list. Enjoy!
If you’ve made this Chicken Couscous Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box (5.8 ounces) couscous (I used Near East roasted garlic )
- 1-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
- 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped English cucumber
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous according to package directions, omitting the oil. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
- In a large bowl combine the chicken, garbanzo beans, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, mint and garlic. Gently stir in the couscous.
- In a small bowl (affiliate link) whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Pour dressing over couscous mixture and toss gently.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 6 PointsPlus (Old plan) I added 1 teaspoon Zaatar seasoning, which is delicious but totally optional. Other tasty additions to consider: halved kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese. In place of the chicken, try cooked shrimp or canned tuna for a delicious alternative.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: adapted from Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast: Weeknight Meals: Over 280 Incredible Supper Solutions (affiliate link)
If You Like Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Salad, You’ll Love These:
- Curried Chicken Salad – A flavorful twist with a hint of spice.
- Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Dried Fruit – A hearty and sweet option packed with protein and fiber.
- Grilled Chicken Greek Salad – A fresh and vibrant salad with classic Mediterranean ingredients.
- This Citrus Couscous Salad with Pistachios is perfect for a light lunch or as a tasty side dish beside just about anything.
- Instant Pot Couscous Puttanesca – A wonderful combination of all the delicious flavors of traditional pasta puttanesca and ratatouille that works for vegetarians, and also pairs well with shrimp, chicken, fish or pork.
This looks delicious. How long will it last in the fridge?
Hi Rosa,
We usually eat it all within 3-4 days so I’m not sure how long beyond that it will last in the fridge. Hope this helps. ~Martha
I wish sodium would be included in the nutrition.
I added this into the WW recipe builder and it comes out to 5 smartpoints per serving at 7 servings. Yum! A little better than the points plus.
Hi Laura, Thanks so much for letting us know!! How kind and generous of you. I’ll update the recipe 🙂
Looks great, especially for summer! I am going to make it this weekend. Thanks so much!