A fresh, healthy and incredibly easy quinoa tabbouleh recipe. Bulgur wheat is replaced with quinoa so the salad is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein.Â
Do you like tabbouleh? Yeah? Me too! It’s delicious and such an easy recipe to play around with. I actually already have a grain-free cauliflower tabbouleh and hemp tabbouleh, but today I’m sharing another tabbouleh variation for my quinoa lovers!
Like traditional tabbouleh, this quinoa version is loaded with fresh veggies and herby goodness. It’s a light salad that’s absolutely perfection on a warm spring/summer day. You can eat it by the spoonful, use it as a topping over a green salad or serve it with warm pita bread and hummus to stick with the Mediterranean vibe.
Any way you serve it, this tabbouleh is absolutely delicious and crazy easy to whip up. You need only eight ingredients and one bowl! Once you have the quinoa cooked and cooled, the salad comes together in a matter of minutes.
Why Use Quinoa for Tabbouleh?
Quinoa is a complete protein and has more protein than bulgur wheat when you compare them cup for cup. Quinoa = 8 grams per cup // bulgur wheat = 4 grams per cup.
While both quinoa and bulgur wheat are whole grains and contain a similar variety of vitamins and minerals, quinoa is a bit more nutrient dense.
Quinoa is gluten-free and bulgur wheat is not.
If gluten isn’t an issue for you I think traditional tabbouleh is awesome, but I love having this gluten-free quinoa tabbouleh as an option.
The recipe makes at least four servings so it’s an awesome salad for potlucks or for weekend meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and use the salad to toss together quick lunches throughout the week.
A fresh, healthy and incredibly easy quinoa tabbouleh recipe. Bulgur wheat is replaced with quinoa so the salad is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup finely chopped red onion
juice from 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil*
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Bring quinoa and 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Once quinoa is cooked, spread it out on a large rimmed baking sheet to cool. Alternatively you could let the quinoa cool in the pot or make the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Transfer quinoa to a large bowl. Add parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber and red onion into the bowl with the quinoa; toss to coat. Season with juice from lemon, olive oil and salt. Stir to combine and serve.
Notes
*If you make the tabbouleh ahead of time and realize that much of the olive oil has been absorbed by the quinoa, feel free to add a little more before serving.
I love this recipe! I prefer the quinoa to the traditional way. Super tasty and easy to throw together. My only change was adding a bit of freshly ground pepper. Thanks for sharing!
Leave a Comment
I love this recipe! I prefer the quinoa to the traditional way. Super tasty and easy to throw together. My only change was adding a bit of freshly ground pepper. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Moira! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. It means the world to me. 🙂
Gorgeous photos and beautiful flavors…your tabbouleh salad is a perfect addition to any Spring tablescape! I must try this. xo, Catherine
I so do love tabbouleh – and your version with quinoa is rocking! The perfect, hearty weeknight meal! Thanks so much!
Tabbouleh is some of my favorite food! Would love to try out this recipe with quinoa. It looks delicious from these photos.
This looks great. Added it to my to make list
Thanks friend! Let me know how it turns out if you end up trying it. 🙂
This tabbouleh looks so fresh and light! I love that you used quinoa, I actually prefer it to the traditional bulgar.
Thanks Danae. Me too! I like adding quinoa to just about anything. 🙂
I am always on the look out for new recipes with quinoa. It is my grain of choice. Also love and easy recipe. Thank you for sharing. xo Lauren
This looks delicious and the perfect side dish for a grilled dinner! xo
Thanks Ash! Totally agree. I’ve also been using it to make wraps.