Bold & Spicy Harissa Couscous Salad with Chicken - A Mediterranean Feast!

A Hearty, Spiced-Up Couscous Salad with Chicken That Brings Bold Mediterranean Flavors to the Table!

Bold & Spicy Harissa Couscous Salad with Chicken 

If you’re looking for a bold, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for the Mediterranean diet, this Harissa-Spiced Couscous Salad with Chicken is a must-try! With juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy Israeli couscous, and a spicy harissa vinaigrette, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, zest, and freshness. Sweet golden raisins, crunchy pistachios, and creamy feta add layers of texture and flavor, making every bite exciting. The mix of warm spices and vibrant herbs makes this salad both nourishing and satisfying, all while keeping it light and wholesome.

Ready in just 45 minutes, this is an easy go-to meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a stunning dish for entertaining. Serve it warm for a comforting dinner or chilled as a refreshing make-ahead salad. Plus, if you’re serving a crowd with different spice preferences, it’s easy to adjust! For a kid-friendly version, use mild harissa or leave it out completely—the dish will still be packed with Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're planning a casual family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a flavorful meal prep option, this spicy, vibrant couscous salad is guaranteed to impress!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Protein:

• Chicken cutlets (thin-cut breasts)

Grains & Pantry Staples:

• Israeli (pearl) couscous
• Golden raisins
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Harissa sauce
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Honey
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt

Fresh Produce:

• Green onions
• Cherry tomatoes (multicolor preferred)
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh mint
• Lemon

Dairy:

• Feta cheese

Nuts & Seeds:

• Roasted unsalted pistachios

Optional Seasoning for Chicken:

• Caribbean citrus chile rub (or preferred seasoning blend)

Substitutions and Variations

• Harissa Sauce → Mild Harissa or Smoked Paprika

• Chicken Cutlets → Chicken Thighs, Pork Chops, Chicken Breasts

• Golden Raisins → Dried Apricots or Chopped Dates

• Pistachios → Slivered Almonds or Pine Nuts

• Feta Cheese → Goat Cheese or Ricotta Salata

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Chicken Cutlets – Using thin-cut chicken breasts (cutlets) ensures they cook quickly and evenly. If you don’t have cutlets, you can slice regular chicken breasts horizontally or pound them thin with a meat mallet.

• Toasting the Couscous – Don’t skip toasting the couscous in the pan before adding the broth. This step helps develop a nutty, deeper flavor and ensures the couscous absorbs the liquids more evenly.

• Harissa Sauce Heat Level – If you're making this dish for kids or those who aren’t fans of spice, use mild harissa or skip it entirely for a milder flavor profile.

• Leftovers – This couscous salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld beautifully over time!

• Chicken Seasoning - I used a favorite spice blend Caribbean citrus chile rub as the citrus flavors compliment the spicy couscous.  You can use what ever chicken spice blend you prefer.

   EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED   

• Small saucepan – To heat the chicken broth and harissa sauce.

• Large (12-inch) skillet – For cooking the couscous and assembling the salad.

• Cutting board & knife – For chopping vegetables, herbs, and slicing the chicken.

• Tongs or spatula – For flipping the chicken while cooking.

• Microplane – For zesting the lemon.

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Bold & Spicy Harissa Couscous Salad with Chicken

serves 4

1 14.5 oz can reduced sodium chicken broth
1 Tablespoon Harissa sauce
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1 cup Israeli couscous (pearl)
1/4 cup golden raisins
2/3 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup multicolor cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup roasted, unsalted pistachios
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 pound chicken cutlets (4 cutlets, thin cut breasts)
Chicken seasoning (I used Caribbean Citrus Chile Rub)

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint
zest and juice of 1 lemon

Harissa Vinaigrette:

3 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/2 Tablespoon Harissa sauce

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients for the Harissa vinaigrette and set aside.

In a small saucepan whisk together the chicken broth and Harissa sauce.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, keep warm.  

Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Season your chicken breasts with a complementary seasoning blend.  Cook the chicken cutlets 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is done and has reached 160 degrees inside.

In a large (12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat add the white parts of the green onions.  Cook 1 minute.  Add the couscous and cook until toasted, about 4 minutes.  Slowly add the chicken broth/Harissa mixture and the raisins.  Brig to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and  until all liquid has been absorbed.  Add corn and cook 1 minute.  

Remove the skillet from the heat.  Add in the tomatoes, parsley, pistachios, lemon zest, and Harissa Vinaigrette, and toss to combine.  Top with feta, chicken, green onions, and mint and a squeeze of lemon juice.