Quinoa Tabbouleh with Mint and Lemon

Introduction

Real Lebanese tabbouleh is mostly parsley — the bulgur is almost a garnish. This quinoa version keeps that spirit but adds a bit more substance, so it can pull double duty as a side and a light lunch. If you're new to quinoa, this is a great intro: cooked properly and dressed while warm, it soaks up the lemon-olive-oil dressing like a sponge. Serve it next to a wedge of Greek village salad or a bowl of chickpea salad for a proper mezze spread.

Cooking your way through our archive? Don't miss our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta and Lemon or our Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) with a Block of Feta, and browse every salad recipe for more ideas.

Ingredients

• •1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• •2 cups water
• •3 large bunches flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 3 cups packed)
• •1 large bunch fresh mint, finely chopped (about 1 cup packed)
• •4 medium tomatoes, finely diced
• •1 English cucumber, finely diced
• •4 green onions, thinly sliced
• •1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• •1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• •1 tsp ground allspice or cinnamon (optional)
• •1 tsp salt
• •Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a small saucepan with a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the little tails have popped out.

2. 2

   Fluff with a fork and spread on a plate to cool.

3. 3

   While the quinoa cools, chop all the herbs and vegetables very finely — this is the whole texture of tabbouleh.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, allspice (if using), salt, and pepper.

5. 5

   Add the cooled quinoa and toss to coat. Fold in the parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving so the flavors marry.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Nutrition is an approximation generated from ingredient databases and may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

Calories

220 kcal

Protein

6 g

Carbs

28 g

Fat

10 g