Asian Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant couscous with chicken in sesame-soy dressing, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs for a quick, satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Couscous & Base

01 - 1 1/4 cups pearl Israeli couscous
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Protein

04 - 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skinless

→ Vegetables & Fresh Additions

05 - 1 large cucumber, diced or sliced into half-moons
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
07 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

→ Sesame-Soy Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 1 teaspoon Sriracha or Asian chili sauce

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
19 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add pearl couscous, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until couscous is tender and water is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sriracha until thoroughly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, shredded rotisserie chicken, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and fresh mint.
04 - Pour the sesame-soy dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
05 - Transfer salad to serving bowls. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can order delivery, and tastes like you spent the whole day cooking.
  • The sesame-soy dressing is so addictive you'll find yourself making extra to drizzle on leftovers the next day.
  • Pearl couscous gives you that satisfying chew that regular couscous can't match, paired with tender chicken that practically melts.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and tossed together when you need dinner, making weeknight stress disappear.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the couscous before adding dressing—hot grains absorb liquid unevenly and turn mushy while other parts stay dry and disappointing.
  • Taste the dressing before mixing it into the salad because you're the one who lives with your seasoning preferences, and adjusting it at the end is harder than getting it right the first time.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes if you have time—they smell incredible and taste fresher than pre-toasted seeds that have been sitting in a bag.
  • Keep the dressing in a mason jar in your fridge for up to a week and shake it before using, so you can dress quick salads or grain bowls on mornings when you didn't have time to meal prep.
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