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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.

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. | lisasdinnertimedish.com

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.

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. | lisasdinnertimedish.com

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 Couscous Salad is a healthy, flavorful meal that's on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. | lisasdinnertimedish.com

Yield: 4-6

Warm Chicken Citrus Coucous Salad

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

  • Bring chicken stock, olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes to a boil.
  • Stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and spoon into a large bowl.
  • Stir in arugula and chicken. Arugula will wilt slightly.
  • Drizzle dressing over mixture and toss until ingredients are well coated.
  • Serve salad topped with orange and avocado chunks.

  • 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. | lisasdinnertimedish.com

    ENJOY!

    Jenny | Honey and Birch

    Tuesday 18th of October 2016

    I've been meaning to cook couscous more often! Can't wait to try your recipe.

    Jennifer A Stewart

    Monday 17th of October 2016

    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!

    Sandra Shaffer

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    What a great looking salad! I bet this is way better than the airplane version. This salad is perfect for the lunch next week!

    Lisa

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    Thanks Sandra! I agree, this would be perfect for lunch!

    Michaela Kenkel

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    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!!

    Lisa

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    Thanks, Michaela! Austin was SO much fun, I'm so glad we had the chance to hang out!

    Christie Campbell

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    Looks like a perfect weeknight dinner! Quick, easy, and DELICIOUS!

    Lisa

    Saturday 15th of October 2016

    Thanks Christie! It really is quick and easy!

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