Lebanese-Inspired Quinoa Tabbouleh

Ingredients

• 1 cup (185g) quinoa 1 cup (185g) quinoa
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced 1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup (80g) red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup (80g) red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (40g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 cup (40g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
3. 3.
   Remove the cooked quinoa from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quinoa — Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
• Parsley and mint — Ensure that the herbs are finely chopped to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the dish.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Cherry tomatoes — Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices and enhance the salad's taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or a pinch of cumin to the salad.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding diced bell peppers or olives.
• Make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and healthy lunch option throughout the week.
• Serve the tabbouleh with a side of pita bread or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Serving advice

Serve the Lebanese-Inspired Quinoa Tabbouleh chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the tabbouleh in a shallow serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through. Consider arranging a few cherry tomato halves and cucumber slices on top for an appealing visual presentation.