How is it already the second week in August? Summer has been flying by. I admit I skipped a week of posting a meal but here we are in mid-August and week 5 of my Six Week Summer Meal Plan.
Since summer unofficially comes to an end Labor Day weekend, now is the time to get in all the summer dishes while we can like this Greek Quinoa Tabouli Salad. It’s a great gluten-free twist from traditional Tabouli which is made with bulgur wheat. Since I’m not gluten intolerant I don’t have anything against bulgur wheat, I just find I need something with a higher protein-to-carb ratio to keep me full longer, and quinoa is the perfect grain for that and also happens to be naturally gluten-free.
Quinoa is one of the few plant proteins that contain all the essential amino acids, making it a great meatless meal option. It’s also filled with fiber, high in magnesium iron and potassium, making it a nutritional powerhouse.
So let’s get to the recipe. You’ll want to prep your quinoa ahead of time so that it has time to cool.
Recipe:
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa (1 cup dried)
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of EVOO
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 English hothouse cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1/4″ pieces
- 1 lemon or lime, juice of
- Sea salt to taste
Optional: add crumbled feta cheese and olives
Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to directions with salted water, then set aside in a large bowl to cool
Mix in olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste to quinoa, toss, then cover and chill in fridge for an hour. Add in remaining ingredients except feta and store in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight until ready to serve.
Remove from fridge and toss with more EVOO and top with feta and olives (if using).
This dish is great leftover, as the flavors from the herbs and dressing marinate as it sits.
Quinoa is one of the most versatile grains so I am always looking for new ways to use it in recipes. Here is another great recipe Quinoa & Kale Frittata Patties that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Do you have any favorite quinoa recipes?! Please share below!
xoxo
Marisa
