Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Grilled Chicken and Couscous Salad

Smart Party Planning

Try this tasty grilled chicken, couscous, tomato and spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Big on flavor, low in fat! Dinner or lunch in less than thirty minutes.

Grilled chicken, couscous, spinach and tomato salad with homemade vinaigrette.
Grilled chicken, couscous, spinach and tomato salad with homemade vinaigrette.
September has arrived but summer is still raging here in the south. Salad is on the menu as long as the temperature is still reaching ninety plus degrees. I think August and September decided
to flip flop. August was so mild with temperatures barely into the high seventies or low eighties during the day and dropping into the fifties and sixties in the evening. I thought for sure an early autumn had arrived. September has told a different story. I'm not totally sad, it seemed as if fall had made its appearance too early for me. I wasn't ready to pull out the sweater to sit on the deck in the evening. Oh! and the tears that will fall when I have to pack up the sandals for the winter. We don't even want to go there. So, I was happy to pull together a quick and flavorful salad for this blistering hot day.

Less than thirty minutes and you have a tasty, healthy and fresh meal. I grilled my own chicken breast, but you could easily buy a rotisserie chicken to use and make this much quicker.  I made the dressing in three minutes flat while the chicken breasts were cooking. I love the tang of the red wine vinegar balanced with the sweet of the honey in this vinaigrette. It boosts the flavor of the tomatoes and spinach and is a perfect compliment for the chicken. If spinach isn't your thing, you can use romaine or your favorite fresh mixed greens in place of the spinach. Couscous is always a favorite with chicken and works here in place of pasta due to its quick cooking time. 

Whether a busy weeknight or a beat the heat day, you can have this filling and nutritious meal made in a flash. 

Grilled Chicken and Couscous Salad w/ Tangy Vinaigrette

4 Grilled Chicken Breast*
16 Ounces Fresh Spinach
1 to 2 Cups Grape Tomatoes
1 Cup Tri Colored Couscous-Cooked per directions

Vinaigrette:
¼ Cup Olive Oil
¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 Tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Applesauce
2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley Flakes
1 or 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic – Pressed, Smashed or Finely Diced
Dash of Salt and Pepper, if desired

Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar until emulsified.  Add balance of ingredients and whisk until thoroughly combined.

Divide first four ingredients into equal portions on plate. Drizzle salad with vinaigrette.

*I grilled my chicken breast in a grill pan on stove with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper on each side.  



©Christy’s Cooking Creations. Please do not use my images without prior consent. Please link back to this post even if recreating and posting this recipe in your own words.




Grilled chicken, couscous, spinach and tomato salad with homemade vinaigrette.
Healthy in less than thirty minutes


5 comments:

  1. This salad sounds delicious. I always love a good salad with chicken.

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  2. This salad looks perfect. I would love to try this. :)

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    Replies
    1. I hope you get a chance to try it. The dressing really ties it all together.

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  3. Hi Pinned your recipe. I found you through #MarvelousMonday linky. Great combo of flavors and textures. http://www.theKitchenChopper.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you KC and thank you for pinning! I checked out your brown rice, avocado chop at the Weekend Social linky, it looked delicious!

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