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Fresh Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

fresh quinoa tabbouleh salad - featured image
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A vibrant and wholesome quinoa tabbouleh salad featuring fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a bright, tangy lemon dressing. This easy, healthy recipe is perfect for quick meals or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (white or tri-color, rinsed)
  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of ground cumin or sumac

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool to room temperature.
  4. While quinoa cooks, finely chop parsley and mint. Dice cucumber and halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice green onions and mince garlic.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional cumin or sumac.
  6. Add chopped parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onions to the cooled quinoa. Pour lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa thoroughly is essential to remove bitterness. Let the salad rest before serving to allow flavors to meld. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead to keep herbs fresh. Optional spices like cumin or sumac add extra depth. Adjust lemon and olive oil to taste if quinoa seems dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa tabbouleh, healthy salad, lemon dressing, gluten-free, vegan, easy salad, fresh herbs, plant-based

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fresh-quinoa-tabbouleh-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-zesty-lemon-dressing/