Pin A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring chewy pearl couscous tossed in a savory sesame-soy dressing, crowned with tender rotisserie chicken and crisp cucumbers—a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Pin This Asian Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The pearl couscous provides a satisfying bite that holds up beautifully to the ginger and garlic-infused dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., canola or sunflower)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the pearl couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until couscous is tender. Drain any excess liquid and spread couscous on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
- Step 2
- While couscous cools, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, chili sauce (if using), and neutral oil until well combined.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, shredded chicken, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro. Drizzle with the sesame-soy dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss once more.
- Step 5
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes for a colder salad.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To speed up the cooling process, spreading the cooked pearl couscous on a baking sheet prevents it from clumping and allows you to assemble the salad much faster.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add edamame or baked tofu. You can also add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea. It is excellent for meal prep as the flavors continue to meld when chilled.
Pin Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a main dinner dish, this Asian Sesame Chicken Couscous Salad is a crowd-pleaser that brings global flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container and add fresh cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Use leftover cooked chicken breasts, baked tofu for vegetarian options, or edamame for plant-based protein. Shredded rotisserie turkey works equally well.
- → Is pearl couscous the same as regular couscous?
No, pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) consists of larger, spherical pasta balls that require boiling, while regular couscous is smaller and steams quickly. Pearl couscous provides a chewier, more substantial texture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight. Note that the couscous may absorb some dressing, so add a splash of rice vinegar before serving leftovers.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute pearl couscous with quinoa or rice-based couscous, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always verify all ingredients, especially condiments, are certified gluten-free.
- → What vegetables work well in this dish?
Shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, red cabbage, or diced mango all complement the sesame-soy flavors. Choose vegetables that maintain crunch when dressed and chilled.