Spring Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant and refreshing Spring Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad! Perfect for al fresco dining, this dish combines tender couscous with tangy lemon, savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and sesame seeds. The light sesame oil dressing brightens the flavors, making it an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. Prepare the couscous in advance, and let the flavors meld for a truly satisfying experience. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile—feel free to substitute bulgur for couscous for a heartier texture. Enjoy a taste of spring with this delightful dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (Use low-sodium for a healthier option.)
soy sauce
3 teaspoons (Use low-sodium if desired.)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (Optional; can be replaced with olive oil.)
uncooked couscous
1 cup
green onions
2 (sliced)
sweet red pepper
1 large (chopped (optional))
sugar snap peas or snow peas
1 1/2 cups
broccoli florets
3/4 cup
cooked chicken
1 cup (chopped)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (can be substituted for sesame oil in the dressing.)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2
Place the uncooked couscous in a large mixing bowl and pour the boiling broth over it. Stir briefly to combine, then cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Allow it to sit for 5-8 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Afterward, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
3
Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped sweet red pepper (if using) into the fluffed couscous. Cover the bowl again and refrigerate until the mixture is completely chilled.
4
In a steamer, steam the sugar snap peas for 1 minute, then add the broccoli florets and continue to steam for an additional 2 minutes or until both vegetables are crisp-tender. Immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
5
Incorporate the chopped cooked chicken, steamed sugar snap peas, and broccoli into the chilled couscous, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, the remaining 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour this dressing over the couscous mixture and toss everything gently until well coated.
7
Just before serving, fold in the toasted slivered almonds and sesame seeds to add crunch and flavor. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spring Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines tender couscous with tangy lemon, savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and a crunchy topping of toasted almonds and sesame seeds.
How do I prepare the couscous for this recipe?
Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour the boiling liquid over uncooked couscous in a bowl, cover, and let it sit for 5-8 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Can I substitute the couscous with another grain?
Yes, you can substitute bulgur for couscous if you prefer a heartier texture in your salad.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The recipe includes green onions, sweet red pepper, sugar snap peas or snow peas, and broccoli florets.
How long should I steam the vegetables?
Steam the sugar snap peas for 1 minute, then add the broccoli florets and steam for an additional 2 minutes until both are crisp-tender.
Why should I rinse the steamed vegetables under cold water?
Rinsing the vegetables under cold water immediately after steaming stops the cooking process, ensuring they remain crisp and keep their bright color.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil.
When should I add the almonds and sesame seeds?
Fold in the toasted slivered almonds and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and potlucks.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken or replacing it with a plant-based protein.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken.
Can I use snow peas instead of sugar snap peas?
Yes, the recipe allows for either sugar snap peas or snow peas depending on your preference or availability.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and using a low-sodium option is recommended for a healthier version.
How many green onions should I use?
You will need 2 sliced green onions for this salad.
Is the sweet red pepper mandatory?
No, the chopped sweet red pepper is optional but adds great color and flavor to the dish.
Can I substitute sesame oil?
Yes, if you do not have sesame oil, it can be replaced with olive oil, though you will lose some of the signature sesame flavor.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe recommends 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How much soy sauce is used in total?
A total of 3 teaspoons of soy sauce is used: 1 teaspoon in the broth and 2 teaspoons in the final dressing.
How much sesame oil is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of sesame oil is used: 1 teaspoon in the broth and 1 teaspoon in the dressing.
Does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes, after mixing the couscous with onions and peppers, you should refrigerate it until the mixture is completely chilled.
How many broccoli florets are needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of broccoli florets.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
It is perfect for al fresco dining, picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal at home.
How do I ensure the couscous grains stay separate?
Fluffing the couscous with a fork after it has absorbed the liquid helps separate the grains and prevents clumping.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe notes that low-sodium soy sauce can be used if desired.
How much black pepper is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How many slivered almonds are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds.
How much sesame seeds are needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds.
Is this a spring-themed recipe?
Yes, it is specifically designed to celebrate the arrival of spring with its fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Can I prepare parts of this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the couscous in advance and allow the flavors to meld for a better experience.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.