Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
white bowl of couscous salad with fresh oregano leaves

Couscous Salad with Broccoli Pesto 🥦 and Cherry Tomatoes 🍅

Jani H. Leuschel
This yummy summer salad is filling! The cherry tomatoes provide a sweet pop of flavor as they burst in your mouth. Serve it with hearty crackers and a side of cut-up fruit. Cubed melon pieces are especially nice. 🍉
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Entrees, lunch, Recipes, Salad
Cuisine Healthy, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 327 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous, dry prepared according to package directions
  • 1 cup red pepper finely diced (or 1 cup diced jarred roasted red pepper)
  • 1 shallot small, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups rotisserie chicken finely chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons oregano chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli-walnut pesto click here for recipe
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Using a fork, scrape the prepped couscous into a large bowl, fluffing it and breaking up any clumps as you add it to the bowl.
  • Add roasted red pepper, shallot, chicken and oregano and mix well.
  • Using a spatula, stir in the broccoli pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes.
  • Lightly mix in the cherry tomato halves.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings. (Add more red pepper flake if you like it spicy!)
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Notes

This salad is perfect for keeping the kitchen cool in the summer. The only part that requires heat is the couscous, which cooks in five minutes.
The prep time includes making the broccoli pesto. Making this recipe will take around 20 minutes (or less) if you have the pesto on hand.
I feel obligated to warn you about the strong aroma of the broccoli pesto. It may knock you over as you add it to the couscous, especially if you've been generous with the garlic in it. Don't worry, it won't taste like it smells; in fact, more garlic helps the flavor and reduces the amount of salt needed.
This salad would be equally delicious -- and more nutritious -- with whole wheat couscous or cracked wheat (bulgur). 🌾

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 23gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 231mgPotassium: 241mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1139IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
Keyword anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, Mediterranean diet, phytonutrients
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!