Napoleon Salad with Green Beans, Marinated Feta & Giant Couscous
Description
This Napoleon Salad with Green Beans, Marinated Feta, and Giant Couscous is a fresh, elegant layered salad perfect for lunch, entertaining, or a light dinner. Combining tender-crisp green beans, fluffy giant couscous, creamy herb-marinated feta, and vibrant vegetables, this dish offers delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavours and beautiful presentation. The layered “Napoleon” style creates a restaurant-quality salad that looks as impressive as it tastes. Packed with protein, fibre, and wholesome ingredients, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Serve as a vegetarian main course or stylish side dish. This easy gourmet salad recipe is ideal for warm-weather dining and meal prep.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serving Number
Serves 4
Napoleon Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the marinated feta by combining olive oil, garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, lemon zest, parsley, and black pepper in a bowl. Add feta, toss gently, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook giant couscous according to package instructions until tender. Drain, rinse lightly, and cool.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking, then drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Toss cooked giant couscous with half the dressing and set aside. Lightly dress green beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion separately with remaining dressing.
- To assemble the Napoleon salad, use a food ring or carefully layer on plates: start with giant couscous, then green beans, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and rocket leaves.
- Top each layered salad with marinated feta and toasted pine nuts if using.
- Carefully remove the ring mould (if used) and drizzle any extra marinade from the feta over the top before serving.
Notes
- Marinate feta for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Add roasted peppers or avocado for extra richness.
- Use basil, mint, or dill for a fresh herb variation.
- Chill ingredients before layering for cleaner presentation.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
