Quinoa Tabbouleh

quinoa tabbouleh
Photo: Marcus Nilsson
Yield:
Makes 5 1/2 cups

Tabbouleh is a grain- and vegetable-based salad traditionally made with bulgur wheat. In this recipe, quinoa is first toasted to deepen its flavor, then cooked by the absorption method and combined with herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 2 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped

  • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves

  • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons), plus 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into ¼-inch dice (about 1 cup)

  • 1 medium tomato, cut into ¼-inch dice (about 1 cup)

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Toast quinoa in a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until grains are tender, about 15 to 16 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.

  2. Add herbs, lemon juice and zest, cucumber, tomato, and oil; mix thoroughly to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Tabbouleh can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated, covered.

Cook's Notes

  • You can finish this dish by drizzling a tablespoon of good-quality, intensely flavored olive oil on top just prior to serving.
  • White quinoa is the most common variety, but red quinoa is also available and has a nuttier flavor. They can be used interchangeably.
  • This recipe appears in our book "Martha Stewart's Cooking School."
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