Quinoa Tabbouleh

Prep Time: 15 min	Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min	Serving Size: 6

Introduction

"I first discovered the delightful world of Quinoa Tabbouleh during a vibrant potluck gathering with friends. Amidst a sea of familiar dishes, this unique salad caught my eye with its bright colors and intriguing combination of ingredients. From the first bite, I was hooked – the refreshing mix of flavors and textures, along with the knowledge that I was indulging in a healthful meal, made it an instant favorite."

Embark on a flavorful adventure as you explore the magic of Quinoa Tabbouleh, a modern twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. This vibrant salad features protein-packed quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, offering a satisfying and wholesome meal that's perfect for any occasion. Not only is it naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, but it also brings an exciting new dimension to your culinary repertoire.

Health Benefits

• Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, and is high in fiber, iron, and magnesium.

• Fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

• The lemon dressing adds vitamin C and a tangy flavor while promoting digestion and boosting the immune system.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

• 1/4 cup finely chopped mint

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.

   
   

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and mint.

   
   

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

   
   

4. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve at room temperature or chilled.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with a side of hummus and pita bread.

  
  

• Enjoy as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

• Add crumbled feta cheese or chickpeas for extra protein.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to rinse quinoa well to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.

• Allow the cooked quinoa to cool before adding other ingredients to prevent wilting the herbs and vegetables.

• For added flavor, consider grilling or roasting the vegetables before adding them to the salad.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Fiber
250 Kcals	10g	30g	8g	5g