Growing up in the middle east, tabbouleh was a staple at our home. To me, it represents the ultimate salad in any gathering or party. This healthy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad recipe is delicious, filling, gluten-free and vegan.
Here is my version of the tabbouleh salad; I am using Quinoa instead of bulgur wheat as it is a great vegan and gluten-free substitute.
What is Tabbouleh?
Tabbouleh or Tabouli is a classic Middle Eastern popular salad. The traditional tabbouleh is made from bulgur wheat (cracked whole-grain wheat kernels), fresh herbs, tomatoes, onions, seasoning, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. It is considered a mezze along with hummus and baba ganoush.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Ingredients:
- Quinoa: I used tri-color quinoa, available in any grocery store.
- Fresh Parsley: chopped parsley is the main ingredient in the tabbouleh.
- Tomatoes and Red Onions: Diced.
- Fresh Leaves or Dried Mint. I did not have any fresh mint leaves, so I used dried mint in this recipe; it works well too!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives that tangy taste.
- Extra virgin Olive Oil.
- Salt and Black pepper, to taste.
- Ground Cumin (optional): I like adding it to my quinoa tabbouleh; it enhances the taste.
How To Make Quinoa Tabbouleh?
- Cook the Quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutesโfluff with a fork. Leave it to cool down before adding it to the salad. You can cook the quinoa while chopping the vegetables.
- Prep the vegetables. Finely chop the parsley, tomatoes, and onions. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
- Assemble. Add the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, fresh or dried mint, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil. Give it a nice mix, and enjoy.
Important Tips:
- Avoid chopping the parsley in the food processor; that will give you wet and damaged parsley (It wonโt taste or look good)! Instead, it’s easier to chop the parsley by making them into a bouquet, cut off the stems and then chop them all together using a sharp knife, then chop again until they are minced very well.
- You can cook the quinoa in advance and refrigerate it to be ready anytime.
- You may add cucumber or green onions to this salad if you prefer.
What to Serve with Quinoa Tabbouleh?
- Tabbouleh or Tabouli is a healthy and delicious side dish or appetizer. It is considered a mezze along with Hummus, Baba ganoush, and Falafel.
- Serve it with Grape leaves, Grilled meats, cheese, or zaatar Manakeesh.
Storage:
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can make a batch and place them in airtight containers; to be ready for a meal prep lunch idea!
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