Skip to content
Forkin
Side DishLunchSalad

Quinoa Tabbouleh

This refreshing quinoa tabbouleh is a modern twist on a classic Mediterranean salad, replacing traditional bulgur with protein-rich quinoa. It's packed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect light side dish.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
219 kcal
Download the app
VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Quinoa Tabbouleh

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

salad_base

  • 0.75 cupquinoa, uncooked
  • 1.5 cupwater

salad_ingredients

  • 1 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cupfresh mint, finely chopped
  • 0.5 pcscucumber, diced
  • 2 pcstomato, diced
  • 3 pcsgreen onion, thinly sliced

dressing

  • 3 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbspolive oil, extra virgin
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

Equipment

saucepan · fine-mesh sieve · knife · cutting board · small bowl · whisk · large bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Rinsing removes saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.

  2. 2

    Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a small saucepan.

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during cooking.

  4. 4

    Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to steam.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: This step makes the quinoa fluffy.

  5. 5

    Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl to cool completely.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the quinoa is cool before mixing with herbs, otherwise, it can wilt them.

  6. 6

    While the quinoa cools, finely chop the fresh parsley and fresh mint.

    About 5 min

  7. 7

    Dice the cucumber and tomato into small, uniform pieces.

    About 5 min

  8. 8

    Thinly slice the green onion.

    About 2 min

  9. 9

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

    About 2 min

  10. 10

    Add the cooled quinoa, fresh parsley, fresh mint, cucumber, tomato, and green onion to the large bowl.

  11. 11

    Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables.

  12. 12

    Gently toss all ingredients until well combined.

    About 1 min

  13. 13

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
218.7kcal
Protein
6.6g
Carbs
29.3g
Fat
9.2g
Fibre
4.7g
Sugar
3.5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover quinoa tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)dinner

    Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)

    This rich Greek beef stifado features tender beef braised in a savory tomato and red wine sauce, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Pearl onions add a touch of sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful and comforting stew. Ideal for a hearty dinner, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice.

    3 hr 25 min 552 kcal
  • Cabrito Asadomain course

    Cabrito Asado

    This recipe features tender young goat, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and citrus, then slowly roasted until fall-off-the-bone tender. It's a traditional dish perfect for special occasions, offering a rich and savory experience.

    4 hr 45 min 611 kcal
  • Sữa Chua Cà Phêbeverage

    Sữa Chua Cà Phê

    Sữa Chua Cà Phê is a delightful Vietnamese beverage that marries the robust intensity of coffee with the creamy, tangy freshness of yogurt. This invigorating drink offers a harmonious blend of sweet and acidic notes, making it a perfect pick-me-up or a refreshing treat on a warm day.

    5 min 184 kcal
  • Rosquillas de Anísdessert

    Rosquillas de Anís

    These traditional Spanish anise-flavored doughnuts are slightly crispy on the outside and tender within. Perfect for a sweet treat with coffee or as a light dessert. The distinct anise aroma makes them a unique and beloved pastry.

    1 hr 10 min 485 kcal
  • Simple Curried Tomatoesside dish

    Simple Curried Tomatoes

    A quick and flavorful dish of whole tomatoes simmered with aromatic curry spices and onions. This versatile sauce is perfect served over rice or pasta, or as a comforting side dish.

    35 min 150 kcal
  • Krautsalat (German Cabbage Salad)side dish

    Krautsalat (German Cabbage Salad)

    This classic German Krautsalat offers a delightful crunch with thinly sliced cabbage and onion, bathed in a bright, tangy vinaigrette. The simple yet effective dressing, highlighted by caraway seeds, allows the fresh, crisp vegetables to truly shine. It's a refreshing and versatile side dish, perfect for complementing hearty meals or adding a vibrant touch to any plate.

    1 hr 20 min 142 kcal
  • Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)soup

    Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)

    This comforting and hearty Turkish red lentil soup, known as Mercimek Corbasi, is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it's naturally vegan and packed with flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens every spoonful.

    45 min 275 kcal