Quinoa tabouli, a Middle Eastern-inspired salad made with cooked quinoa, chopped parsley and other herbs, and a tangy dressing, has become a staple in many health-conscious households. And for good reason – it’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients! But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 creative quinoa tabouli recipes that will take your mealtime game to the next level. From spicy jalapeño to Mediterranean feta, each recipe is a flavorful twist on the traditional dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover a whole new world of flavors with our collection of quinoa tabouli recipes!
Classic Lemon Herb Quinoa Tabouli
A refreshing twist on the traditional Middle Eastern salad, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking quinoa) + 30 minutes (refrigeration time)
Mediterranean Quinoa Tabouli with Feta
This Mediterranean-inspired quinoa tabbouli salad is a flavorful and nutritious side dish or light lunch. The combination of cooked quinoa, chopped herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and tangy lemon juice creates a deliciously refreshing and healthy meal.
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
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, and mint.
3. Crumbling the feta cheese over the salad, toss gently to combine.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Quinoa Tabouli
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and nutritious Spicy Jalapeño Quinoa Tabouli recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of quinoa, crunchy veggies, and spicy jalapeños creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or chopped pecans for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, cilantro, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with feta cheese or pecans if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (quinoa cooking time)
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Tabouli
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Tabouli: A flavorful and nutritious salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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 sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh mint or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
3. Toss sweet potato, red bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped fresh mint or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Minty Cucumber Quinoa Tabouli
This vibrant salad combines the cooling flavors of mint and cucumber with nutty quinoa, perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal. With its refreshing twist on traditional tabbouleh, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped fresh cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped cucumber, mint, and scallions.
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: 5 minutes
Avocado Lime Quinoa Tabouli
This vibrant salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the brightness of lime and the nutty flavor of quinoa, all wrapped up in a refreshing tabbouleh-inspired bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced avocado, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cherry Tomato Basil Quinoa Tabouli
This colorful salad combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the brightness of fresh basil, all atop a nutty quinoa base. Perfect for a light and refreshing side dish or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
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. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (quinoa cooking time)
Pomegranate Walnut Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing quinoa tabbouleh salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the crunch of walnuts and the nutty flavor of quinoa. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (parsley, mint, cilantro)
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and garlic.
3. Pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparing ingredients), 5 minutes (assembling salad)
Kale and Parsley Quinoa Tabouli
This recipe combines the nutritious power of quinoa, kale, and parsley to create a delicious and healthy tabouli dish. Perfect as a side or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using the water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped kale, and parsley.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Tabouli
Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Tabouli Recipe
A refreshing twist on the classic tabbouli salad, this Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Tabbouli combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweet and tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix cooked quinoa with chopped parsley, mint leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the tabbouli and serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Tabbouli!
Chickpea and Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creamy texture of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner!
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 freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, parsley, and mint.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Zesty Orange Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing quinoa tabouli is infused with the brightness of orange and the zestiness of lemon, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of nutty quinoa, crunchy bulgur, and tangy herbs will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup bulgur
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped mint
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, bulgur, parsley, mint, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa only)
Beetroot and Quinoa Tabouli
This recipe combines the sweetness of beetroot with the nutty flavor of quinoa, creating a unique and refreshing twist on traditional tabouli. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 medium beetroot, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Roast the beetroot in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted beetroot, parsley, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Curried Quinoa Tabouli
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the warm, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine and the freshness of tabouli. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, then cook according to package instructions using 2 cups water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and add to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa mixture, parsley, mint, and lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Herb Quinoa Tabouli
This quinoa tabbouli is infused with the pungency of garlic, the brightness of herbs, and the nuttiness of quinoa. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, garlic, parsley, and mint.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Olive and Caper Quinoa Tabouli
A refreshing twist on traditional tabouli, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brininess of olives and capers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, olives, and capers.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on cooking time for quinoa)
Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Tabouli
Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Tabouli Recipe: A flavorful twist on traditional tabbouli, this dish combines nutty quinoa with sweet roasted red peppers and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 red bell peppers
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
4. Peel the roasted red peppers and chop into small pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted red peppers, parsley, mint, garlic, and salt.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side (optional).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing quinoa tabbouli is perfect for a light and flavorful side dish or as a healthy snack. The combination of cilantro, lime juice, and quinoa creates a bright and citrusy flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped cilantro, and scallions.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and toss gently to combine.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + 0 minutes (cook time, as quinoa is already cooked)
Sweet Corn and Quinoa Tabouli
This refreshing summer salad combines the natural sweetness of corn with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all wrapped up in a tangy and herby package. Perfect for hot days or as a side dish to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sweet corn kernels, parsley, scallions, and feta cheese (if using).
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of assembly.
Thai-Inspired Quinoa Tabouli with Peanuts
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful Thai-inspired quinoa tabouli, featuring crunchy peanuts and a burst of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as parsley, cilantro, basil)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (if using), and ginger.
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: 10 minutes
Summary
Get creative with these 20 flavorful quinoa tabouli recipes! From classic lemon herb to spicy jalapeño and Mediterranean feta, there’s something for everyone. Discover how roasted vegetables, minty cucumber, avocado lime, cherry tomato basil, and pomegranate walnut add unique twists to this Middle Eastern staple. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or bold and zesty, these quinoa tabouli recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature dishes!
