Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

Quinoa tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad updated with the addition of the tasty superfood, quinoa. This Tabbouleh Recipe is sporting a lot of green, making it a healthy option for the St. Patrick’s Day dinner table.

This Quinoa Salad Recipe offers a plant-based source of protein, plus the healthy additions of fresh tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil. Plus, it’s delicious!!!!

Why You Should Make Quinoa Tabbouleh

My palate has matured since I had my first sample of tabbouleh. I think I was in high school and my mom was experimenting. All I could taste was the parsley and I was not impressed. Since then, I have become a fan, and have cooked up the classic bulgur version numerous times, but this quinoa recipe is definitely my favorite.

I’m definitely a quinoa devotee because of its fluffy consistency, nutty flavor, and protein content, and I love this quinoa tabbouleh. I tend to focus on rich green or booze-laden desserts like chocolate Guinness cake for St. Patrick’s Day. This “green” tabbouleh recipe helps to keep things healthy.

What is Quinoa?

Move over bulgar wheat, the original tabbouleh grain. Quinoa is one of the superfoods of the 21st century and a marvelous substitution. Known as the Mother Grain by the ancient Incas, it has more protein than any other grain. It is a complete protein since quinoa contains all eight essential amino acids. Lower in carbohydrates than other grains, it also is higher in unsaturated fats.

It cooks like rice, expanding to 4 times its original size, has a bland taste similar to couscous. It can be used as a rice substitute in dishes like soup, salad, entrees, and more.

An Adaptable Quinoa Salad

You can shake up this quinoa salad even more by adding crumbled feta cheese, diced bell pepper, or even Kalamata olives. This recipe is just a starting point. Add Greek or Italian ingredients to put your own twist on this recipe. Olives are a MUST for my next batch!

Healthy Green Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Of course, you know I’ll be baking up something sweet and green for the holiday, but it’s nice to balance out the desserts with some healthy dishes.

• Pixie Dust Salad with Avocados, Pixie Tangerines and Radishes by Shockingly Delicious
• Quinoa Tabbouleh by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Zucchini Carpaccio Salad by The Bitter Side of Sweet
• Pistachio Parmesan Oven Fries by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts by Books n’ Cooks
• Soy Glazed Sugar Snap Peas by Food Lust People Love

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The Recipe:

Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Yield 4 servings

An updated, classic Middle Eastern salad made with the super food, quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (may substitute vegetable broth or salted water)
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large English cucumber, cut into 1/4" pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 2/3 cup chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Bring quinoa and chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
3. Place cooled quinoa in a large bowl and toss with ¼ cup dressing.
4. Add cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, and scallions to bowl with quinoa and stir to combine. Drizzle with the remaining dressing. Check for seasoning. Add pepper and more salt if needed. Chill before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 212Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 445mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 4g

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