Some of you may have seen the title of this recipe and had no idea what type of dish this is. Is it a salad? A side dish? A main course? The truth is, tabbouleh can be all three. This Middle Eastern dish is one of our favorites to enjoy for lunch, but we also love it as a side dish or salad in the summer with some grilled meat for a simple dinner. Traditional tabbouleh uses bulgur as a grain, or occasionally couscous, but I like using quinoa because it packs a protein punch and makes it a filling lunch.
Tabbouleh is the perfect dish for summer because it uses fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and is packed with herbs. The dressing is so simple with just olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, but because this salad is full of fresh herbs, every bite has so much flavor. I use parsley and mint here, which is traditional, but cilantro also adds a delicous twist! Tabbouleh is such a healthy lunch option and one of my favorites to send to work with Kevin or keep on hand to enjoy myself. I frequently eat lunch while the boys are napping, which is also when I do all my work for the blog, and easy healthy lunches are key.
The flavors of this really come together after a few hours in the refrigerator, if you can wait that long to eat it! Whether you have it for a healthy lunch or as a side dish this summer, it’s the perfect dish for summer.
- 3 cups water
- 1½ cups dry quinoa
- 5-6 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeds removed, chopped
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh herbs*
- 1 tsp. salt + more to taste
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- In a small pan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and cook until tender. When the water is gone, turn off the heat and cover.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and place in a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressing.
- Mix to combine.
- Tabbouleh can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to allow flavors to come together.
- Enjoy!
[…] to it years ago, and I love making this flavorful recipe for lunch or an easy dinner. This chickpea tabbouleh salad is a little extra filling thanks to the addition of chickpeas, but the flavor profile is the same. […]