Description
A refreshing and nutritious Gluten Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad that combines fluffy quinoa, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 bunches of parsley (stems removed, about 4 cups chopped)
- 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa (yields about 2 1/2 – 3 cups cooked)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (white or red)
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped mint
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Cook according to package instructions, typically by boiling in water until fluffy and the germ separates from the grain. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
- Chop Parsley: Remove stems from the parsley and chop finely. For an extra fine texture, pulse the parsley in a food processor a few times, or chop finely with a knife.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced onion, diced cucumber, and chopped mint if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or salad dressing shaker, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, honey, sea salt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss thoroughly to combine, ensuring the salad is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Notes
- Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and chilled, making this salad perfect for meal prep.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste for perfect balance.
- Mint is optional but adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Use a food processor for finely chopped herbs if you prefer a more uniform texture.
