Indulge in the flavours of the Mediterranean with this gluten-free Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad recipe. Packed with vibrant herbs, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich quinoa, this refreshing salad is a perfect choice for those seeking a healthy and nourishing meal.
In this blog post, we'll explore why you'll love this recipe, how to make gluten-free tabbouleh, the benefits of quinoa on a Candida diet, recipe substitutions, and ideas for serving this delicious dish.
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💕 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tangy lemon juice creates a burst of fresh flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Nutrient-Rich & High Protein: Quinoa adds a nutritional punch to the salad, providing a good source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Gluten-Free and Candida-Friendly: This recipe is free from gluten-containing grains, making it suitable for individuals following a gluten-free or Candida diet.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can whip up this tasty salad in no time.
🥣 Instructions
Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad typically made with bulgur wheat. In this gluten-free version, we substitute the bulgur with quinoa, a nutritious grain that offers a delightful texture and taste. Here's how to make it:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside. Chop the tomato, mint, parsley, and spring onion. Lightly season the tomato with salt and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then drain any excess juice.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained tomato, chopped herbs, and spring onion.
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate container, mix the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir or shake well to emulsify.
4. Toss and Season
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to combine. Allow the flavours to meld for a couple of minutes, then taste and adjust the salt if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Top the salad with additional chopped spring onion and serve immediately. This tabbouleh pairs wonderfully with grilled lamb, vegetable, or chicken skewers, or even as a standalone light meal.
🥗 Quinoa on a Candida Diet
This pseudo-grain is an excellent choice for individuals following a Candida diet. Unlike traditional grains, quinoa is gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. It provides a good source of plant-based protein and fibre, supporting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Quinoa is also rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins, which are beneficial for overall well-being.
💫 Recipe Substitutions
While this recipe shines with the classic combination of fresh herbs, you can experiment with other herb variations based on personal preference. For example, you can substitute parsley or mint with cilantro or basil for a different flavour profile. However, it's essential to use fresh herbs rather than dried to maintain the salad's vibrant taste and texture.
If desired, you can also substitute quinoa with other gluten-free grains like millet or buckwheat.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Enhance your meal by pairing this delightful tabbouleh salad with other delicious dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Tofu Tzatziki: Enjoy a refreshing combination by serving the tabbouleh alongside tofu tzatziki, a creamy and dairy-free dip.
- Lamb and Buckwheat Meatballs: Create a complete meal experience by serving the quinoa tabbouleh with succulent lamb and buckwheat meatballs. The savoury flavours of the meatballs perfectly complement the freshness of the salad.
- Falafel: Embrace the Middle Eastern theme by serving the tabbouleh alongside homemade falafel. These crispy chickpea patties are a wonderful vegetarian option that adds a delightful texture and flavour to the meal.
- Grilled Fish: For a lighter option, pair the tabbouleh with a grilled fish fillet. The combination of the zesty salad and the tender, flaky fish creates a balanced and satisfying dish.
Conclusion
Incorporate this Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad into your meal rotation for a refreshing and nourishing dish that celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean. Its simplicity, vibrant colours, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for those following a gluten-free or Candida diet.
Remember, a healthy and delicious meal is just a few steps away. Try out this recipe today and let your taste buds rejoice in the beauty of a gluten-free quinoa tabbouleh salad.
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Easy Gluten Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Ingredients
- 60 g cooked quinoa
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 handful fresh mint approx 3-4 tablespoon chopped
- 1 handful fresh parsley approx 3-4 tablespoon chopped
- 1 spring onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic minced
Instructions
- Chop the tomato and lightly season with salt. Allow to sit for 5 minutes and then drain in a sieve to remove any excess juice.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the parsley and mint and finely chop.
- Add the cooked quinoa, drained tomato and chopped herbs to a bowl.
- In a separate container add the lemon juice, olive oil and minced garlic and stir or shake to emulsify. Pour immediately over the salad and mix well to combine.
- Allow the salad to sit for a couple of minutes before tasting and adjusting the salt if required.
- Top with finely chopped spring onion and serve immediately.
Notes
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