Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle-Eastern salad made with fresh vegetable, herbs and Bulgur wheat. Since I don’t eat wheat or wheat products, I was thinking about an alternative for the Bulgur wheat that gives this salad it’s hearty texture and nutty taste and found that quinoa is a perfect substitute.

2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled

1 cup finely chopped cucumbers

1 cup finely chopped tomatoes

1/3 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

1/3 cup olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the above ingredients and let the flavors marinate for an hour or two before serving. This salad is a great appetizer, side dish or even a hearty topping for a green salad. The protein rich quinoa also happens to be a more nutritios alternative to Bulgur wheat. Enjoy!