Tabbouleh Quinoa
A refreshing and vibrant gluten-free take on traditional Tabbouleh, this recipe uses quinoa instead of bulgur wheat for a light and nutritious salad. Packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, it's perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
45 min
Total Time
4
Servings
easy
Difficulty
15 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mint (finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1 medium Cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 medium Optional: Bell Pepper (diced, any color)
- 1/4 cup Optional: Pomegranate Seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water for a minute.
- 2
Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- 3
Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool completely. This can be sped up by spreading it on a baking sheet.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and green onion (and optional bell pepper, if using).
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 8
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 9
Garnish with pomegranate seeds (optional) before serving.
Tips & Notes
- •For a more intense lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the dressing.
- •You can prepare the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- •Adjust the amount of herbs and vegetables to your personal preference.
Recipe Variations
- →Try adding different herbs for variety.
- →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.