How to Make the Perfect Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Middle Eastern · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
This vibrant quinoa tabbouleh swaps traditional bulgur for protein rich quinoa and is loaded with fresh parsley, cucumber, and tomatoes in a zesty lemon dressing. It is a hearty and refreshing FODMAP friendly grain salad that works perfectly as a lunch or side dish.
Why this recipe works
This Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 cups fresh flat leaf parsley finely chopped
- 1 large English cucumber diced
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs
While the quinoa cools, finely chop the fresh parsley and dice the English cucumber into small even pieces. Place both into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the parsley and cucumber. Pour the lemon dressing over everything and toss until well combined. Taste for seasoning and serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- English cucumber → peeled and seeded regular cucumber as the skin and seeds can be tough
- fresh lemon juice → fresh lime juice for a slightly different but equally bright citrus flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding tomatoes in large amounts as they can push the dish over the FODMAP threshold for some people
- Not rinsing the quinoa before cooking which can leave a bitter saponin coating on the grains
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 7g protein, 28g carbs, 7g fat, 3g fiber.
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