Quinoa, the protein-packed superfood, has taken the world by storm. And when combined with the freshness of parsley and the tanginess of lemon juice, it creates a match made in heaven – quinoa tabbouli! This classic Middle Eastern salad is a staple in many households, but why settle for just one recipe when you can have 18? In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, showcasing 18 flavorful quinoa tabbouli recipes that are sure to satisfy your healthy cravings.
From spicy and smoky to fresh and herby, these quinoa tabbouli variations will keep your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a foodie looking for new inspiration or a busy bee seeking a quick and easy meal solution, this collection of recipes has got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the endless possibilities of quinoa tabbouli!
Classic Quinoa Tabouli with Fresh Parsley
This refreshing Middle Eastern salad is a perfect blend of nutritious quinoa, crunchy parsley, and tangy lemon juice. A simple and flavorful dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, and scallions.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spicy Quinoa Tabouli with Jalapeños
This refreshing quinoa salad gets a bold boost from the addition of jalapeños, creating a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic tabbouleh.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, red bell pepper, and chopped jalapeño.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Quinoa Tabouli with Feta
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brightness of Mediterranean herbs and the tanginess of crumbled feta. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this tabbouleh is a flavorful and nutritious option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, scallions, and cucumber.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad and toss gently.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Lemon Herb Quinoa Tabouli
A refreshing twist on traditional tabouli, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brightness of lemon and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, scallions, and garlic.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None (quinoa is cooked beforehand)
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Tabouli
A hearty and flavorful salad that combines roasted vegetables with nutritious quinoa and fresh parsley. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cubed
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, chopped parsley, and garlic.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Minty Quinoa Tabouli with Cucumber
Fresh and revitalizing, this Minty Quinoa Tabouli with Cucumber is a perfect side dish for any meal. The quinoa adds a nutty flavor and satisfying texture, while the cucumber and mint bring a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped cucumber, and chopped mint.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Avocado Quinoa Tabouli Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all wrapped up in a burst of fresh herbs and citrus. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced avocado, chopped parsley, and mint leaves.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss gently.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required – just assemble and serve!
Cherry Tomato Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the nutty flavor of quinoa and the freshness of parsley, all tied together with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (parsley, cilantro, basil)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and tahini until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Kale and Quinoa Tabouli Mix
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of kale, perfect for a healthy snack or light meal. With its medley of textures and flavors, this tabouli mix is a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, kale, parsley, and scallions.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking quinoa) + assembly time
Pomegranate Quinoa Tabouli Delight
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and nutritious Pomegranate Quinoa Tabouli Delight! This dish combines the nutty taste of quinoa, the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, and the freshness of parsley for a refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, parsley, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Top with pomegranate seeds and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Grilled Zucchini Quinoa Tabouli
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of grilled zucchini with the nutty flavor of quinoa and the freshness of tabbouleh. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, scallions, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add grilled zucchini to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with feta cheese crumbles if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chickpea Quinoa Tabouli Bowl
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with the goodness of quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, parsley, mint, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese or chopped scallions if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (cooking quinoa) + assembly time
Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the crunch of fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes cooking time for quinoa)
Herbed Quinoa Tabouli with Dill
This refreshing quinoa tabbouli recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the bright, citrusy taste of fresh herbs and a hint of tanginess from lemon juice. Perfect as a light and healthy side dish or as a base for your favorite grilled meats or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using the recommended ratio of water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of roasted red peppers with the crunch of fresh parsley and mint, perfect for a light and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until charred.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
4. Let quinoa cool, then fluff with a fork.
5. Chop roasted red peppers into small pieces and add to quinoa.
6. Stir in chopped parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiralized Carrot Quinoa Tabouli
A refreshing twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad, this spiralized carrot quinoa tabbouli combines the crunch of carrots with the nutty flavor of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 medium carrots, spiralized
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon sumac (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spiralized carrots, parsley, and mint.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and sumac (if using).
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Edamame Quinoa Tabouli Fusion
This recipe combines the protein-packed power of edamame with the nutty goodness of quinoa and the freshness of tabbouleh, creating a deliciously healthy fusion dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked edamame
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked edamame, quinoa, parsley, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Quinoa Tabouli
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and savory Balsamic Glazed Quinoa Tabouli, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brightness of fresh herbs and the tanginess of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as parsley, basil, mint)
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (optional) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cucumber, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to combine.
4. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and toss again to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of quinoa tabbouleh with these 18 flavorful recipes! From classic and simple to bold and spicy, there’s something for everyone. Try adding fresh parsley, jalapeños, feta, lemon, herbs, roasted vegetables, avocado, cherry tomatoes, kale, pomegranate, grilled zucchini, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, dill, roasted red peppers, spiralized carrots, edamame, or balsamic glaze to give your quinoa tabbouleh a unique twist. These healthy recipes are perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or just a quick and easy lunch.
