A middle-eastern classic salad with a twist, this quinoa tabbouleh is packed full of fresh herbs, zingy lemon juice, fresh veggies and protein-rich quinoa. Gluten free and vegan.
What is tabbouleh?
Tabbouleh is a middle-eastern salad. It is usually made with bulgur wheat and contains tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs. I like to add cucumber to my tabbouleh – I think it works perfectly.
The ingredients are mixed together with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing with incredible results.
A few weeks ago I found myself in Doha airport in the middle of the night with no dinner. There were a few vegan options but nothing that looked very appetising. Then I found a cafe that sold fresh tabbouleh and hummus – I was so happy!
So when I got home I was inspired to make my own version – with a twist!
Tabbouleh is one of the most delicious salads in existence and if you haven’t tried it before I hope you do today.
Why quinoa tabbouleh?
I have chosen to make my tabbouleh with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat.
This makes it gluten free and also adds some protein, making it a great choice for vegans.
Quinoa works perfectly in place of bulgur wheat and complements the flavours beautifully.
Is this quinoa tabbouleh vegan?
Yes – tabbouleh is naturally vegan as the main ingredients are plant based.
It’s the perfect accompaniment for a mezze meal. Other vegan recipes that would go well with this tabbouleh salad include:
- baba ghanoush
- baked Greek beans
- flatbreads
- cauliflower hummus
- Israeli salad
- vegan spanakopita
- baked cauliflower falafel
- roast beetroot dip
- garlic tahini sauce.
Pick three or four recipes from this list and you will have a delicious vegan mezze that everyone will enjoy. Some of these recipes feature on my other blog, Sneaky Veg.
What ingredients do you need to make quinoa tabbouleh?
- 100g quinoa
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 3 spring onions
- 50g mint
- 50g flat leaf parsley
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper.
Do you need any special equipment to make this vegan tabbouleh recipe?
You will need the following equipment:
- pan to cook the quinoa in
- knife
- chopping board
- lemon squeezer
- mixing bowl.
That’s it – doesn’t get much easier than that!
How to make vegan quinoa tabbouleh
Fresh and zingy vegan quinoa tabbouleh
Ingredients
- 100 g quinoa
- 2 large tomatoes chopped
- 1 cucumber chopped
- 3 spring onions sliced
- 50 g mint finely chopped
- 50 g parsley finely chopped
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside. Allow to cool.
In a large mixing bowl place 2 large chopped tomatoes, 1 chopped cucumber, 3 chopped spring onions and 50g mint and parsley - both finely chopped. Stir well.
- Add 3 tbsp olive oil and the juice of one lemon.
Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
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I love me a good tabbouleh salad!!! The mint and the parsley really do make it!
Thanks so much Balvinder – you really do need a lot of herbs