If I were a poet, I’d write a poem about quinoa because it’s just so wonderful! Every time I prepare it, I think about how it just has everything going for it: good taste, low carb (but tastes like a carb), versatile and high in protein. The other day I wanted to make tabouleh, but remembered that I’m not big on bulgar, and thought about my bff quinoa and thought I’d try something new. So with a little tabouleh inspiration and some fresh ingredients, this is what happened. I will definitely make this again and again because it’s now on the top of my “feel good” foods list with its crunchy and carby texture and lemony, minty flavor.
Tabouleh Inspired Quinoa Veggie Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa white is best for this dish, cooked according to directions
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup fresh tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup carrots diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber diced (preferably small persian cukes)
- 1/2 medium red or white onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- juice of one lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- about 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- optional – 1/4 cup fresh tomatoes diced
Instructions
- Add all veggies (accept the mint) to a mixing bowl and give it a couple tosses. Fold in the cooked quinoa after it has cooled. Now add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, mint and olive oil. Try it and add more mint, salt, etc. to your taste.
- Serving Suggestion
- Wonderful side dish that can serve as a salad, but it's awesome as a meal, especially when you're trying to feel good and stay healthy.
Jodi – So much fun to meet you at BlogHerFood! As I was unpacking my goodies from the trade show and staring at the package of Quinoa I thought … hmm .. what to do?? Now I know and I can use the fresh mint from my garden but the tomatoes will have to wait a few more weeks!
Hi there! It was great to meet you. I’m glad you like the recipe and I hope to bump into you at the next show!
Made this tonite..rave reviews. Added a few basil leaves to the mint .. comments were ~ very refreshing on a hot summer nite!