This Mediterranean pearl couscous salad with juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki yogurt dressing is fresh, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes - the perfect make-ahead lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
There is just something about a big salad I CRAVE the second the weather starts getting warmer. Whenever I make a new salad recipe I try to ensure it has 3 things: lots of fresh and vibrant vegetables, multiple textures to keep things exciting and of course a flavourful dressing. Like with my crispy rice salmon salad or my nacho salad this one fits the bill!
This Meditrranean pearl couscous salad is the ultimate meal prep-friendly salad. It's light, packed with protein and fiber, and full of fresh herbs and a bright lemon-forward dressing that comes together to create a salad you will be craving all day long!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Meal prep friendly salad- This salad doesn't get soggy if made ahead of time.
- Balanced option- This salad is a great source of protein, fiber and fresh veggies!
- Light and vibrant- The perfect warm weather dish! This is a great salad for a summer potluck, picnic lunch or to pair with a BBQ dinner.
Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Pearl couscous- The base of this salad! Pearl couscous has a slightly chewy texture that holds up really well in meal prep salads and soaks up the dressing beautifully!
- Chickpeas- A great plant-based protein and fiber boost that makes this salad way more filling and satisfying.
- Fresh herbs- Parsley, dill or mint (or all) add a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the whole salad.
- Pickled red onions- A MUST for a tangy punch of flavor. Make them ahead of time or grab a jar from the store if you are in a time crunch!
- Cucumbers- Persian cucumbers are ideal here due to their lower moisture content! This helps make sure the salad doesn't get soggy after a few days in the fridge.
- Bell peppers- I recommend using mini bell peppers for a sweet crunch and a pop of color!
- Avocado- For a creamy addition and healthy fats. If making this salad ahead of time I recommend adding the avocado fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
- Chicken- The lean protein that makes this a complete meal! I usually use my oven baked chicken breast but rotisserie chicken is a great option if you are short on time.
- Green onions- A mild, fresh onion flavor that adds a bite without overpowering the salad.
- Feta- salty, creamy and necessary! Feta brings all the Mediterranean flavors together PERFECTLY!
- Yogurt Tzatziki dressing- A quick, homemade dressing that lighter, protein-packed and SO good!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Before you begin: Cook couscous according to package instructions, rinse and set aside to cool. Cook chicken using desire method- I recommend using my oven baked chicken breast recipe!
- Step 1: In a large bowl combine couscous, chickpeas, cubed chicken breast, cucumbers, avocado, bell peppers, pickled onions, feta cheese, fresh herbs and green onions.
- Step 2: To make the homemade yogurt tzatziki dressing- in a mason jar, liquid measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, white vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, garlic, honey, dill and olive oil.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Step 4: Toss to combine. Store in a large glass container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days with the chicken or 4-5 days without the chicken!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: swap the pearl couscous for a gluten-free couscous or quinoa.
To make vegan: I would recommend leaving out the chicken and substituting a thick non-dairy yogurt of choice (siggis has a great one) in the dressing! For the feta cheese- there are many dairy-free feta cheese options available (Miyoko creamier has a great one)
To make nut-free: This recipe is nut free as written!
This pearl couscous salad is your to customize!
- For additional protein: add in additional beans ,hemp seeds or even lentils! Chicken can also be swapped for an prepared protein of choice (try my Greek turkey meatballs)!
- Other beans: experiment! Any beans will work in this salad however I find chickpeas and white beans tend to be the best options due to their more mild flavor.
- Dressing: I used a Greek yogurt based dressing to make this one creamy, but you could switch it up by using a classic oil, lemon vinegar dressing for an even lighter option!
Equipment
- Vegetable chopper (optional)
- Mixing bowl
Storage
This Mediterranean couscous salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days WITH the chicken.
If you are looking for longer storage I recommend adding chicken fresh to the salad. Cooked chicken typically can maintain its freshness for a maximum of 4 days.
Top Tips for Success
Salads like this are my absolute favourite for meal prep because they're balanced, filling and such an easy way to get your veggies in! If you don't have a certain ingredient on hand get creative! use what you have available and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can! Any grain such as a small pasta (ie. orzo), quinoa, barley, or regular couscous will work well. I love pearl couscous as I find the small round shape pairs perfectly with the chickpeas, but the choice is yours.
No you do not! This Mediterranean pearl couscous salad is great as a side dish without the chicken!
More BIG Salad Recipes
If you liked this pearl couscous salad, try these recipes:
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Sundried Tomato Dense Bean Salad
- Curried Couscous Salad
- White Bean, Fennel and Pear Salad
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this Mediterranean pearl couscous salad, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dry pearl couscous
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced I recommend using my thin sliced chicken breast recipe!
- 2 cups chickpeas (574mL can, rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint etc.) finely chopped
- 4 Persian cucumbers diced
- 1 avocado pitted, peeled and diced
- 2 cups mini bell peppers diced
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
Homemade Yogurt Tzatziki Dressing
- ½ cup 0% plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill fineley chopped
Instructions
- Before you begin: Cook couscous according to package instructions, rinse and set aside to cool. Cook chicken using desire method- I recommend using my oven baked chicken breast recipe!
- In a large bowl combine couscous, cubed chicken breast, fresh herbs, chickpeas, cucumbers, avocado, bell peppers, pickled onions, green onions, and feta cheese.
- To make the homemade yogurt tzatziki dressing- in a mason jar, liquid measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, white vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, honey and dill.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to combine. Store in a large glass container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days with the chicken or 4-5 days without the chicken!
Kelly says
Easy & delicious - perfect warm weather lunch salad to eat throughout the week!
Julie Curti says
Delicious! Easy to make!
Nicole Addison says
A new crave-worthy salad perfect to celebrate warmer weather coming our way (hopefully soon)- I hope you enjoy!!