Tabbouleh Inspired Quinoa Salad (with grain free, raw option)

Tabbouleh Inspired Quinoa Salad (with grain free, raw option)

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I’ve always loved tabbouleh but I had to stop ordering it in restaurants many years ago when I stopped eating wheat. This tabbouleh inspired salad is great alternative to traditional tabbouleh (which is made with bulgar wheat). It is refreshing and lemony and the quinoa gives it a nice texture.

Quinoa (pronounce Keen-wa) is seriously healthy. It is high in protein and it is a complete protein (meaning it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids). While quinoa is technically a seed, it is eaten like a grain and contains more fiber than most other grains and is also high in minerals.

I find that a ration of 1 3/4 cup water or vegetable broth to 1 cup quinoa works best for me. I always rinse the quinoa before cooking it. This will reduce the bitterness of the quinoa. Bring the water (or broth) and quinoa to a boil. Cover it and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 more minutes before removing the lid.

Quinoa can be eaten hot or cold. This salad is easily made in advance and stores in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Please let me know if you try this recipe! I would love to hear how it turned out for you.

Tabbouleh Inspired Quinoa Salad (gluten free, soy free, oil free with raw vegan option)

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cup cooked quinoa see notes for alternatives and preparation instructions
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
  • 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • If you do not already have quinoa prepared, please see recipe notes for preparation instructions. Allow quinoa to cool completely.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.

Notes

For a grain-free, raw vegan salad, simply omit the quinoa and replace it with 1 1/2 cups finely chopped cauliflower (pulse the cauliflower in a food processor or blender until it is the consistency of rice).
To prepare quinoa, combine 1/2 cup dry quinoa with 7/8 cup water or low sodium vegetable broth. I Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
Keyword gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, wfpb
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