Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with the most refreshing and lightning-fast quinoa tabouleh you've ever tasted! This vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish is not just a salad—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. Packed with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy tahini dressing, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and ridiculously quick to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 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 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the parsley and mint finely, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the green onions. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the quinoa has finished cooking and has cooled slightly, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Pour the tahini dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined and the quinoa is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed, to taste.
- Let the tabouleh sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Speedy Quinoa Tabouleh chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra mint or parsley if desired. Enjoy your healthy and refreshing dish!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can cause a bitter taste.
- Use a fork to fluff quinoa after cooking to keep it light and prevent clumping.
- For extra flavor, toast the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding water.
- Let the tabouleh rest for 5 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a more intense herb flavor, chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their essential oils.
- If tahini dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water or extra lemon juice.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
