Do you have a favorite family vacation spot? Is it somewhere you go every single year with your whole extended family? Or maybe you stumbled upon a wonderful hidden gem and are still planning your return. Wherever it is, I bet there are some foods that you connect with that wonderful place! Maybe it’s a restaurant you went to or a meal you cooked and ate together. Eat that food again and all the memories of that fun vacay come flooding back. Am I right? Well, Chicken Couscous Caesar Salad is one of those recipes for me. For the past fourteen years, we’ve headed to Lake Powell with some close family friends for a week of waterskiing, wake boarding, swimming, star gazing, games and some of the best memories EVER. Our kids live and breathe this trip, and they start planning the next year’s adventures before we’ve even pulled off the lake.
To say that food is an important part of these trips would be a gross understatement. We are a bit fanatical about what we eat at Lake Powell. Really, let’s just call it as we see it. We’re freaks. Food Freaks. Most people eat pb&j, burgers and dogs on the grill, cereal for breakfast…you know, simple, easy-to-prepare foods. Not us. Nope. We literally prepare for weeks in advance, making homemade ice cream, layer cakes, slow-roasted pulled pork, breakfast breads (in about 10 different varieties), special sauces, marinades and dressings. Once there, we pull out ALL the stops. We’re talking lamb kabobs, shrimp and lobster boils, mahi-mahi tacos, Brazilian steaks with chimichurri, homemade focaccia, profiteroles, ice cream pie, peach melba. Honestly…it’s a bit ridiculous! But delicious and dreamy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Yep, food freaks.
Chicken Couscous Caesar Salad is a Lake Powell lunch staple! And happily, it’s super easy to prepare, and kids and adults alike love it. It can be served on its own or in a pita. Super easy. Super delicious. Probably even something normal people (not just food freaks) could add to their repertoire. So go enjoy your family faves…beach, mountain, city escape…and maybe add some couscous and grated parmesan to your grocery list! Happy summer!
Ingredients
- One rotisserie chicken
- One 6-oz. box couscous, any flavor
- Two heads romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Zest of three lemons
- 1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of three lemons (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 Tbsp. mayo
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook couscous according to package directions and cool. Place in fridge to cool, if needed.
- Wash and dry romaine, and chop.
- Wash and halve tomatoes.
- Grate cheese and zest lemons.
- Add all ingredients to blender and mix to incorporate.
- Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Toss all salad ingredients together and add dressing just before serving. Toss well.
Notes
*For simpler prep, use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing. All ingredients can be prepared ahead of time. Toss together just before serving.
40 Comments
Now this is something I would love to make
I’ve never had couscous, but I love a good chicken Caesar salad. Sounds like it would be a yummy combination for a healthy meal. Pinned.
LaKisha, definitely try this, and for sure go get yourself some couscous! It’s so yummy and versatile. Have fun!
I Have Always Wonder if couscous is like rice? I love chicken salad is my favorite
Joss, couscous is basically a very small semolina pasta, and can be used like rice. I absolutely love it. Try it and see what you think!
Gorgeous photography! Those tomatoes look so fresh and delicious. I just started growing tomatoes in my garden and I can’t wait until they are ripe enough to eat. Gotta try out this recipe!
x0 Gennifer
http://www.GenniferRose.com
Gennifer, I’m with you! I can’t wait until my tomatoes are ripe! August is THE BEST food month! Happy gardening and happy eating!
This looks soooo delicious!
Thanks Raquel! We hope you like it 🙂
What an excellent addition to an traditional salad! Couscous is amazing
Vy, we agree with you! Couscous is so yummy. Hope you like it!
This looks really good! Never thought to use couscous in a salad so I’ll give it a try!
Marsha, try it with the couscous! It makes it soooo yummy.
Ceaser salads are one of my favorite salads.
Can’t go wrong with a caesar 😉
Never had couscous on a salad before 🙂 Sounds delicious and healthy!
Casey, hope you like it! Couscous just adds a fun twist to an old classic!
Looks delicious!
Thanks Alicia!
Healthy and delicious!
Unaiza, hope you love it!
This sounds like a perfect summer meal. Pinning so I’ll remember to try it!
Carlie, this is definitely one of our go-to summer meals! Hope you like it.
Yum, this looks quick, easy, and delicious. I have all the ingredients in my fridge, so it looks like dinner is covered tonight.
Sue, wahoo! Those are great days when you don’t have to run to the store for dinner. Good job! Hope you love it:)
This looks amazing!
Thanks, Daphne! Hope you like it!
This looks amazing. I wouldn’t normally put the two together
Mary, the combo is a bit unusual, but it’s SO good. Hope you like it!
Looks so good!
Erica, I ate it for dinner last night. I think it’s yummy. Hope you agree! Happy Friday!
This looks delish – pinning!!
Yeah! Hope you love it, Lauren:)
This looks great! I love that you added the couscous in there
Kim, we think the couscous changes everything! Hope you like it as much as we do. Happy cooking!
Ooo, that looks delish! I’m on such a salad kick this pregnancy. I’ve literally had three salads today alone!
I love a good Caesar salad! I’m definitely pinning this for later ??
Kasee, Caesar is such a good classic. Hope you love it!
Finally a caesar with a tasty alternative to Croutons!
Truly, ditch the croutons for something even yummier!