Quinoa Tabbouleh
A fresh and flavorful Quinoa Tabbouleh salad combining protein-rich quinoa with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, green onions, and a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Quick to prepare and perfect for a nutritious lunch, light dinner, or a vibrant side dish.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook / Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Base
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed, cooked, and cooled
Fresh Herbs
- 1 generous bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 handful fresh mint, finely chopped
Vegetables
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- Juice of 2 large lemons (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cook Your Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness, then cook with 2 cups of water until fluffy, approximately 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before using to keep the salad fresh and light.
- Prepare the Fresh Herbs and Veggies: Finely chop a generous bunch of parsley and a handful of mint. Dice 2 ripe tomatoes and 1 medium cucumber. Thinly slice 3-4 green onions. Finely chopping the herbs releases their full aroma and flavor.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 large lemons, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The lemon juice’s acidity brightens and balances the flavors.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, chopped herbs, and vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is fresh and flavorful.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled quinoa tabbouleh for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop fully. Serve chilled for a refreshing dish, especially on warm days.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the saponin coating and prevent bitterness.
- Finely chop herbs for even flavor distribution and better texture.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to your taste preference for richness or lightness.
- Let the salad rest chilled before serving to meld flavors fully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa tabbouleh, healthy salad, gluten free salad, Mediterranean salad, quinoa salad, vegan tabbouleh, fresh herbs salad