Couscous:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked Israeli pearl couscous, original or turmeric
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt, added to water once it's boiling

Herby Lemon Cucumber Couscous Salad Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2-3 lemons depending on size
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 4 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 English seedless cucumber (approximately 2 cups), sliced then quartered
• crumbled feta, for garnish

Blackened Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins or chicken cutlets
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4-3/4 teaspoon cayenne (1/4 for mild, 1/2 for medium, 3/4 for hot)