Dairy-Free Tabbouleh Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1 cup Fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup Fresh mint
• 1/4 medium Red onion
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 seconds. Combine the rinsed 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan (about 2-quart capacity). Bring the water to a boil over high heat (about 212°F / 100°C), then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa appears fluffy with small "tails" emerging from the grains.
2. 2Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool completely to room temperature, which will take about 15-20 minutes; cooling prevents the other ingredients from wilting.
3. 3Dice the 2 medium tomatoes into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) cubes and the 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) cubes. Finely chop the 1 cup of fresh parsley and the 1/2 cup of fresh mint. Finely dice the 1/4 medium red onion into very small pieces, about 1/8-inch (0.3 cm) cubes.
4. 4In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the salt is dissolved.
5. 5In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled 1 cup of cooked quinoa, the diced 2 medium tomatoes, the diced 1 medium cucumber, the finely chopped 1 cup of fresh parsley, the finely chopped 1/2 cup of fresh mint, and the finely diced 1/4 medium red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it chilled, which enhances the refreshing taste.

Related Guides