Discover the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with our Savory Garlicky Quinoa Tabbouleh! This refreshing dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition, perfect for a light lunch or a zesty side at your next gathering. Imagine fluffy quinoa mingling with fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty garlic-lemon dressing that dances on your taste buds! Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 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 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove its natural coating of saponin, which can taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely, spreading it on a large plate or baking sheet to help release steam and prevent clumping.
- While quinoa cools, finely chop parsley, mint, tomatoes, and red onion. Mince the garlic cloves as finely as possible.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chopped herbs, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Pour the garlic-lemon dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing salad or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to removing the saponins that can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa cool completely to prevent it from clumping together. Spreading it out on a plate or baking sheet can help speed up this process.
- Chop Ingredients Finely: For a more enjoyable texture, chop your herbs and vegetables finely. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Make Ahead: Allow the tabbouleh to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste! Add more herbs, toss in some cucumbers, or even include chickpeas for added protein.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a filling in wraps or pita bread for a delicious meal on the go.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
