Quinoa salad with a tabbouleh flavor: refreshing and even healthier

Name: Quinoa salad with a tabbouleh flavor: refreshing and even healthier
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 3/4 cup quinoa; 1 + 1/4 cup water; 2 tomatoes; ½ onion; 1 handful mint; 1 handful parsley; salt; juice of 1 green lemon; 2 tbsp olive oil; 5 oz cooked corn (optional)

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Side dish

Very Easy

55 min

108 Kcal

If you love the freshness and fragrance of traditional tabboulehbut are looking for a more nutritious and gluten-freethis salad salad quinoa with a tabbouleh flavor will win over your taste buds. Rich in fiber, light and full of fresh ingredients such as mint, parsley, tomatoes and onions, it brings the ideal balance between taste, texture and health benefits. Quinoa comes in as a substitute for wheatoffering high-quality protein and making the recipe even more functional. Finished with lemon juice and olive oil, this salad is perfect for hot days, light side dishes or even as the main course in a vegetarian meal. A modern reinterpretation that keeps the soul of the classic and surprises with its simplicity.

Materials

Sieve
Pan
Bowl

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Waiting time30 min

Cook time15 min

Use a sieve to rinse the quinoa well and rinse it several times. Boil the water in a saucepan and add the washed quinoa.
Lower the heat and cook with the pan half-covered for 12 to 15 minutes, until the water is completely dry. You will notice that the beans become translucent and release a white "ring" (a sign that they are ready). Turn off the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, dice the tomatoes. Chop the onion, mint leaves and parsley. Juice half a green lemon.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork and leave to cool. Then put the quinoa in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and mix. Add the tomatoes, onion, herbs (mint and parsley), lemon juice and salt. The use of corn is optional. Mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy.

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FAQ ❓

Can I replace wheat with quinoa in tabbouleh?

Yes, quinoa is an excellent substitute for wheat in tabbouleh, especially if you're looking for a gluten-free or protein-rich version. In addition, quinoa has a neutral flavor that goes well with classic tabbouleh ingredients such as tomato, onion, mint and lemon. To keep the texture similar to the original, cook the quinoa until it is very loose and let it cool before mixing in the other ingredients. The ideal ratio is 1 part raw quinoa to 2 parts water. Once it's ready, use the same amount as you would use the hydrated wheat.

How can I make quinoa salad taste like tabbouleh?

For the quinoa salad to resemble the taste of traditional tabbouleh, it's important to make the most of the classic seasonings: fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped mint, parsley and a touch of salt. Finely chopped red or white onions and ripe tomatoes complete the combination. Another trick is to let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving - this helps the flavors to integrate and the quinoa to absorb the spices, making everything more balanced.

What ingredients can't be missing from a tabbouleh-style quinoa salad?

The essential ingredients to give quinoa salad its authentic tabbouleh flavor are: fresh mint, parsley, tomatoes, onions and lemon juice. Olive oil is also indispensable for the balance of flavor and texture. Although quinoa replaces wheat, the rest of the components must maintain the freshness and aromatic profile of the original recipe. Avoid strong ingredients such as garlic or vinegar, as they alter the typical taste of tabbouleh.

How long can I keep quinoa salad in the fridge?

Tabbouleh-style quinoa salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in a tightly closed container. To preserve freshness, it's best to store it without adding very delicate leaves, such as lettuce or rocket, which wilt quickly. If possible, only add the lemon and olive oil at the time of serving, especially if the salad has been prepared in advance. Quinoa holds its flavor and texture well, but vegetables release liquid over time.

Can I freeze quinoa salad?

It is not recommended to freeze quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs, as the texture and flavor will deteriorate after thawing. Ingredients such as tomatoes, onions and mint lose their crunch and become watery. However, you can freeze just the cooked quinoa, already portioned, and then assemble the salad on the spot with the fresh ingredients. This saves time and guarantees a much tastier and more palatable result.