Quinoa tabouli salad is made with Quinoa, freshly diced parsley, tomato, onion, and cucumber in a light dressing, resulting in a fresh salad that can be paired with so many foods or enjoyed on its own.

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What is Quinoa Tabouli?

Quinoa tabouli (aka quinoa tabbouleh) is the adaption of authentic Lebanese tabouli.

It is well suited to those who are on a gluten free diet, as the original version contains bulgur wheat which contains gluten.

This Middle Eastern Salad consists of finely diced vegetables and parsley, it never contains roughly chopped vegetables.

Lebanese individuals take great pride in tabouli, and it's crucial to give meticulous attention to the chopping technique for the vegetables and fresh parsley.

I speak from personal experience, having learned this art from my Lebanese elders, all of whom were raised in Lebanon.

As this version contains quinoa, the quantities of ingredients have been altered so the amount of quinoa is increased when compared to the amount of bulgur wheat typically used.

Finely diced cucumber has also been added, another non-typical ingredient.

As someone with roots in Lebanon, I can attest that the authentic tabouli recipe does not include couscous, despite occasional online mentions suggesting otherwise.

It's a bit perplexing, but that's not to say you can't experiment with it. I fully support the idea of customizing recipes to suit your personal taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This light salad is so fresh and pairs well with many foods, see serving suggestions below.
• Using simple ingredients, it makes the perfect side dish or can be made substantial to eat on its own.
• Additional ingredients and be added, again this is not traditional, but welcomed in this case.
• Dietary friendly - gluten-free, vegan, corn free, nut free, soy free. This Lebanese salad can easily be adapted to be without oil.

Ingredients and Variations

Notes on some of the ingredients, the full list of ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

When making this salad I highly recommend using the best quality produce, it makes a huge difference to the freshness and taste of this salad.

Quinoa can be any color (red, white or tricolor). This whole grain has a mild nutty flavor. Did you know that quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. 

Quinoa is easily found in the health food section of your local supermarket, you purchase quinoa online (affiliate link).

Fresh flat-leaf parsley will need to be finely chopped after washing, and drying and the thicker stems cut off. The softer stems can be sliced finely and added. Curly parsley is generally not used, but again this isn't traditional, so hey, why not?!

Fresh tomatoes should be ripe but firm and diced finely. If you would like to use cherry tomatoes and want to make this salad close to the real deal, at the minimum, quarter each one, so that each piece is small.

Fresh onion usually white or brown onion is finely diced, however, feel free to use red onion if you like. I like to use whatever I have on hand for this version of salad, heck you could even use green onions!

Fresh mint leaves are so refreshing. These will need to be finely sliced. Do not include the stem.

Fresh lemon juice, is used to dress this quinoa tabbouleh salad. You can use as much as you like. you can even add some fresh lemon zest.

Lebanese cucumber (aka Persian cucumber) is not a traditional ingredient of tabouli, however, it’s a refreshing and a great addition. The cucumber will need to be finely diced. This salad will also work with English cucumber or telegraph cucumber (continental). If your cucumber has tough skin and seeds, peel and scoop!

Extra virgin olive oil, is used in the dressing along with salt, however, you can also make it without the oil, simply leave it out and taste test to see if you’d like to add more lemon juice and salt.

Optional Ingredients

Build up your healthy salad further by adding some of the following suggestions;

• Your favorite bean (I like mine with either chickpeas or white beans) It's nice to have a little extra protein.
• Pitted and chopped olives
• Toasted nuts and seeds
• Vegan nuggets - chop these up and toss them through
• Other fresh vegetables and fruit such as chopped mushrooms or pomegranate kernels
• Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach or rocket (arugula)
• Chopped up falafel, oh yum! Yes please!

How To Make Quinoa Tabouli Salad

Prepare and Cook The Quinoa

It's crucial to wash the quinoa under running cold water in a sieve (affiliate link) by gently massaging it with your hands for at least a minute to remove bitterness.

Quinoa is naturally very bitter due to an outer coating containing saponins, rinsing will rid the bitterness.

Then in a medium saucepan, add the washed quinoa and double the amount of cups of water, bring to a boil on high heat, then turn the stove down to low, and cook for 13 minutes.

Turn the heat off, allow the covered saucepan to stand on for another 10 minutes, then take off the lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

To quicken the quinoa cooling time, spread it out onto a clean tray or plate as close to a single layer as you can.

Here's a method for instant pot quinoa, if using this recipe, just use plain water.

Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, add the cooked cool quinoa and all the remaining ingredients, and toss until well combined. Taste test and adjust salt, lemon and olive oil as needed.

Serve cold. See serving suggestions below.

Serving Suggestions

Tabouli salad is very refreshing, so wherever you need a fresh side dish, think of this salad.

If you are enticed to create a mezze platter, then you should always consider dips such as baba ganoush and hummus.

Other foods that my family would eat this with,

• kibbeh a Lebanese bulgur loaf
• potato kibbeh is a classic Middle Eastern dish that is easy but big on flavor!
• tofu skewers (or any kind of shish tawook)

FAQ

More Vegan Salad Recipes

If you're a fan of this quinoa salad? You might also like these;

Rocca salad - an Easy Lebanese salad made with (arugula/rocket)

Fattoush Salad - one of Lebanon's national salads, you can read about the difference between fattoush vs tabbouleh

Maftoul Salad - Palestinian (inspired) couscous salad

Orange and Fennel Salad - So fresh, reminds me of summer

Vegan brown rice salad - Vibrant, filling and tasty, what's not to love

Arabic salad - commonly enjoyed at lunch or dinner time

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

The post Refreshing Quinoa Tabouli Salad (Gluten-Free Vegan) appeared first on Plant Based Folk.