Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad with Chicken and Tzatziki Dressing Recipe
This Mediterranean pearl couscous salad features tender diced chicken, fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki yogurt dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes (plus prep), it's a fresh, filling, and vibrant dish perfect for make-ahead lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Salad
- 1.5 cups dry pearl couscous
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 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 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pearl Couscous: Prepare the pearl couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method - oven baking is recommended for tenderness and flavor. Once cooked, dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced chicken, rinsed chickpeas, finely chopped fresh herbs, diced Persian cucumbers, diced avocado, diced mini bell peppers, pickled red onions, sliced green onions, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make Tzatziki Dressing: In a mason jar, bowl, or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the Greek yogurt, white vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, pressed garlic, honey, and finely chopped dill until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the homemade tzatziki dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Store: Transfer the salad to a large glass container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days if the chicken is included, or 4-5 days without chicken. Enjoy cold.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimation and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portions.
- This salad is perfect for make-ahead meal prep, keeping fresh in the fridge for several days.
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, and mint for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to taste.
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
