Are you tired of traditional tabbouleh that leaves you wanting more? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a game-changing quinoa version that ditches tomatoes and delivers explosive flavor in every bite! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish isn't just a salad; it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a refreshing, protein-packed masterpiece that will make your palate dance with joy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness. This step is important to enhance the flavor of the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy.
- After resting, uncover the quinoa and fluff it with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large mixing bowl to cool.
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, chop the parsley and mint, and finely chop the red onion.
- Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add the diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste the tabbouleh and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Let the tabbouleh sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the No Tomato Quinoa Tabbouleh chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor - the difference between dried and fresh can be dramatic.
- Allow the tabbouleh to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- For extra freshness, consider adding a small amount of lemon zest to boost the citrusy notes.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - feel free to add feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
