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.  

Last Minute Simple Holiday Treats: Marble Bark

Indulge in the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor with Marble Bark! This irresistible treat combines creamy swirls of chocolate in a beautifully marbled design, creating a delightful snack that's as satisfying to look at as it is to enjoy. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring all to yourself!

Marble Bark

In need of a last-minute holiday treat that's easy to whip up? Marble Bark is not only stunning to look at but also incredibly simple to make and irresistibly delicious!  Even if you're new to the kitchen,  bark is so simple and foolproof that anyone can make it—it's a perfect recipe to try with kids for some fun, hands-on creativity!  With just 4 simple ingredients, this bark recipe is an easy and stress-free treat that delivers big on flavor and presentation!

Marble Bark is the ultimate treat that checks all the boxes—it's beautiful, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a festive addition to your holiday table, this treat has you covered. The combination of rich dark and creamy white chocolate, crunchy almonds, and bursts of jewel-like dried fruit creates a flavor and texture experience that's hard to resist. Plus, it’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules or last-minute plans. Impress your loved ones with a treat that looks gourmet but is delightfully simple to prepare!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• semisweet chocolate chips

• white chocolate chips

• Dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mix

• Roasted almonds

• Optional: Parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Semisweet chocolate chips → Substitute with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a chopped chocolate bar.

• White chocolate chips → Use white chocolate melts or almond bark.

• Dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mix → Swap with any dried fruit you have, like apricots, blueberries, or figs.

• Roasted almonds, chopped → Replace with any nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds—or omit entirely for a nut-free version.

Variations

• Nut-Free Delight: Skip the nuts and use crunchy toppings like pretzel pieces, crushed cookies, or toffee bits for texture.

• Festive Colors: Use holiday-themed sprinkles, colored candy melts, or edible glitter to match the season or occasion.

• Peppermint Bark: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for a cool, minty twist.

• Salty-Sweet Combo: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or incorporate salted peanuts or pretzels.

• Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder to the chocolate for a unique flavor profile.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Melt Chocolate Gently: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent it from burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler for a more controlled melt.

• Smooth, Even Layers: When spreading the melted chocolate on the baking sheet, use a spatula to create an even layer. If you want a thinner bark, spread it out further; for thicker bark, keep it more compact.

• Swirling Chocolate: For a perfect marbled effect, drop spoonfuls of each chocolate onto the sheet and then swirl them together gently with a toothpick or knife. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls create a beautiful design.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal and cleanup. The bark will lift off without sticking.

Notes

• Chocolate Quality: The better the chocolate, the better the bark will taste! Consider using high-quality chocolate chips or even couverture chocolate for a smoother, richer finish.

• Toppings Placement: For the most visually appealing bark, press the toppings gently into the chocolate before it sets, ensuring they stick well without sinking too deep.

• Even Thickness: To avoid uneven bark, try to spread the chocolate as evenly as possible. If you want a uniform thickness, consider measuring the spread with a ruler or using a shallow tray.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add flavor extracts (vanilla, almond, or orange) to the melted chocolate for an extra layer of taste.

• Portioning: If you want smaller pieces, break the bark into irregular chunks after it has set, or use a knife to score it before it hardens completely, making it easier to break into pieces.

• Gift Packaging: Marble Bark makes a great gift! For a festive touch, wrap it in clear cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon, or place pieces in small mason jars with labels.

     Equipment     

• glass bowls - microwave safe prep bowls

• spatula - a kitchen workhorse

• baking sheets - sturdy and multiple sizes

• parchment paper - pre-cut 100pcs great buy!

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Marble Bark

12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
6 oz white chocolate chips
3 - 4 Tbsp dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mixed
3 - 4 Tbsp roasted almonds, chopped

Line an baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Place white chocolate chips in another microwave safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth (about 1 1/2 minutes).

Pour melted semisweet chocolate into prepared pan and spread with a spatula in to a large rectangle (don't spread too thin). Dollop melted white chocolate by teaspoons over the semisweet chocolate and swirl together with a wooden skewer.  Top with dried cranberries, cherries, and raisins.  Top with chopped almonds.  Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the bark is set.

Using the parchment paper lift and place bark on a cutting board; either cut into squares or break off into pieces.  Pack in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.