Discover the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with our refreshing Tabbouleh Mint and Parsley Salad! This delightful dish, brimming with fresh herbs and wholesome quinoa, is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of taste and health in every bite. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next gathering, this salad is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Dive into our recipe and unlock the secrets to crafting this culinary masterpiece in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- While quinoa is cooling, finely chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves, discarding any tough stems.
- Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes, removing seeds if desired for a cleaner texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped parsley, mint, and diced cucumber.
- Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and herb mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water to eliminate any bitterness from its natural coating, ensuring a pleasant flavor in your salad.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: To achieve fluffy quinoa, make sure to let it cool completely after cooking and fluff it with a fork. This prevents clumping and enhances the texture of your salad.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley and mint for the best flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste and aroma that fresh herbs do.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to keep the sizes uniform for an appealing presentation.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more delicious dish.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while more salt can enhance the overall taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Serve it alongside pita bread and hummus for a complete Middle Eastern feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
