Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

quinoa tabbouleh salad

Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to the perfect balance of flavors. This light and fresh salad is a summer staple that’s better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Loaded Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon and Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Quick Dinners.

Fresh Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad on a white plate
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Why This Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe Is Pure Comfort

  • Bursting with fresh herbs and veggies
  • Light and refreshing
  • Easy to make and customize
  • Better than takeout

What You'll Need for Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: Crumbled feta cheese
  • Optional: Chopped Kalamata olives
  • Optional: Sliced avocado
Quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint on a wooden board

πŸ“ Ingredient Notes

  • quinoa: Cook according to package instructions and let it cool before using.

πŸ›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with lemon dressing, served on a plate

How to Make Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

  1. Cook quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. Chop herbs and veggies: Chop parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped herbs, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  4. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Dress salad: Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

  • : For a more filling salad, add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the quinoa. It should still have a slight bite to it.
  • : Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • : Adjust the dressing to taste. You can add more lemon juice, olive oil, or salt as needed.

Storing & Reheating Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Freezing Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

Not recommended for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado.
  • Best substitution: Substitute cooked farro or bulgur for the quinoa if desired.
  • Make-ahead: Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more lemon juice or olive oil.

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Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with lemon dressing, served on a plate
⏱
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
0 mins
⏳
Total
15 mins
🍽
Serves
4 servings
πŸ₯—
Diet
vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Optional Toppings

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped Kalamata olives
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. Chop herbs and veggies: Chop parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped herbs, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
  4. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Dress salad: Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado.
  • Best substitution: Substitute cooked farro or bulgur for the quinoa if desired.
  • Make-ahead: Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more lemon juice or olive oil.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
  • Oven reheat: Not applicable.
  • Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
  • Make ahead: Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sat. Fat: 1.5g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Why did my quinoa turn out mushy?

Overcooking the quinoa can make it mushy. Cook according to package instructions and let it cool before using.

Can I use bulgur instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute cooked bulgur for the quinoa if desired.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken for a more filling salad.

What's the best way to store this salad?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Fresh and Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out β€” I love hearing from you!

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