Go Back
Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh
May Simpkin

Protein Rich Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh Salad

This Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh is a delicious fresh and healthy salad that incorporates plenty of nutritious fresh herbs. With quinoa as a base, it’s a great gluten free alternative to the traditional Bulgar wheat and also provides a protein rich meal perfect to serve as a light lunch or as a side for grilled/baked chicken or fish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

To make this Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh, you’ll need:
  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 100 g Puy Lentils
  • 1 large bunch fresh Flat Leaf Parsley finely chopped
  • 1 large handful of fresh Coriander finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch fresh Mint finely chopped
  • 1 medium red onion finely sliced
  • Red wine vinegar enough to soak red onions
  • 8 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic crushed (optional)
  • Juice of half a Lemon
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 thick slices Feta cheese alternative: Halloumi cheese
  • Salt & Pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the Quinoa in 1½ cup of cold water and ½ tsp salt. Bring to the boil and turn down until the quinoa has absorbed the water and is fluffy. It is cooked when you can see a small tail to each grain. If necessary, add a little more water and allow the grains to absorb with the lid on.
  2. When cooked, allow the quinoa to cool in a large bowl to room temperature.
  3. Whilst the quinoa is cooking, soak the sliced red onions in the vinegar – this creates a more crunchy texture. Try to allow around 30mins but more is not fine too.
  4. Drain the red onions and combine with the Puy lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint and garlic. Add to the cooled quinoa
  5. In a separate jar combine the olive oil, garlic, mustard, lemon juice and salt/pepper. Pour over the quinoa and mix well.
Boost the nutritive value by serving the quinoa and lentil tabbouleh on a bed of rocket with Halloumi laid out on top of the salad.

    Notes

    Alternatives: Boost your fibre and nutrients by adding ½ Cucumber, finely diced and 1 large handful Cherry Tomatoes, halved Feta can also be crumbled in and gently combined If using Halloumi, place Halloumi slices in a hot dry frying pan unitl golden, turning half way
    Tip: If using a Thermomix cooking machine, the herbs (and garlic) can be chopped by dropping in onto a running blade; 2 seconds/speed 10