• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Sourdough
      • Gluten-Free Sourdough
      • Sourdough Discard
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
Vanilla And Bean

Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • A little bit about me…
    • Contact
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Hearty Salads / Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas

By Traci · Jump to Recipe ·
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

Simple ingredients come together in this flavor packed Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas. A hearty, portable, and make ahead zesty quinoa salad for lunches, picnics, light dinners or for sharing at potlucks. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free | Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill. All opinions are my own. 

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas in a big bowl ready to be shared.

Table of Contents

  • A Perfect Meal Prep 
  • What is Tabbouleh? 
  • How to Make Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
  • Quinoa: The Perfect Salad Base
  • A Few Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe Notes
  • More Quinoa Recipes to Love
  • Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas Recipe

A Perfect Meal Prep 

Do you meal prep on Sunday? Having a hearty salad prepped and ready to go on Sunday helps me ease into the work-week ahead. I’m not scrambling at the last-minute to pack lunches or to find something healthy to eat come lunch time… it’s right there waiting in the fridge, ready to go. 

Rob appreciates zesty quinoa salad recipes like quinoa tabbouleh salad tucked into his lunch box, whether it’s a full size portion or snack size, fresh quinoa salads are among our favorites. 

Quinoa tabbouleh salad with chickpeas is also ideal for impromptu picnics, and lazy alfresco dinners on the porch – two summertime favorites. So, having this salad on hand means lunch is ready for the work week or a lazy summer dinner is at our fingertips! 

A Bag of Quinoa with other fresh ingredients ready to make Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas   Sliced cherry tomatoes on a cutting board. Dicing and deseeding cucumber on a cutting board.    Tri-Color Quinoa in a blue bowl.

What is Tabbouleh? 

Tabbouleh is an Eastern Mediterranean salad traditionally made with bulger (cracked wheat), parsley, cucumber, onions, tomatoes and mint. It’s finished with a lemony-olive oil dressing and I always add a good dose of garlic. Traditionally tabbouleh does not include chickpeas. 

I first tried tabbouleh at a Lebanese-American restaurant my dad used to take the family to when I was a kid. It was all I wanted to eat, along with the fresh hummus and pita.  Fast forward 20 years later, I’d forgotten about it until after Rob and I moved to Whidbey Island.

On one of our many trips to Seattle, I rediscovered tabbouleh but it was made with quinoa instead of bulger. I loved the idea of quinoa tabbouleh salad since quinoa is a favorite grain(ish). Somewhere along the way, I started adding chickpeas to turn this lemony quinoa salad into a main. 

How to Make Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this tabbouleh salad ideal for meal prep and crave-worthy weekday lunches. In summary, here’s how to make this quinoa salad (see recipe card for details): 

  • First, cook and chill the quinoa.
  • Meanwhile, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, mint and parsley.
  • Next, whip up the dressing by mixing lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic and salt.
  • Last, assemble the salad by gently tossing all the ingredients, including the chickpeas and dressing in a large mixing bowl.

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad can be made up to two days ahead of when needed. It makes a fabulous weekday lunch!   

Ingredient GIF of quinoa salad in a bowl with dressing being poured over the top.

Quinoa: The Perfect Salad Base

I’ve been a fan of Bob’s Red Mill ingredients for as long as I can remember because choosing the very best ingredients is important to me. Bob’s Red Mill is a brand I trust to provide key ingredients in my recipes to fuel my days and to share with family and friends. I’m super excited to be partnering with them again, bringing you a new recipe using their fabulous quinoa!

This time of year with farmer’s markets in full swing, it’s a perfect time to get creative with salads. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Tri-Color Quinoa offers a blank canvas of whole grains to create something special using the freshest veggies and homemade dressings. Quinoa has an earthy flavor, with a fluffy-like yet chewy texture, it’s naturally gluten free and offers all 9 essential amino acids. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare. 

It’s an ingredient I keep in my pantry because of its versatility and healthy benefits. And because I can whip up a zesty Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad in no time! 

Related: Do you Love Meal Prep Ready Salads? Find more like this salad on my 10 Salad Recipes to Try this Summer post!
 

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas in a big bowl and a bag of quinoa in the background.

A Few Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe Notes

  • To soak or not to soak: Some recommend soaking quinoa at least 8 hours, others say it’s not necessary. If you choose to soak, the cook time will be reduced slightly from 15 minutes to about 8. I do however always rinse quinoa under cool running water through a fine mesh strainer. This helps reduce the bitter taste of the saponin coating on its outer hull that can remain after processing. 
  • About the mint: Opinions vary on this but I sometimes find mint to be overpowering in Mediterranean tabbouleh salad recipes. I’ve included 2 tablespoons in this recipe, which yields a mild hint of mint. Adjust to taste and add a tablespoon at a time if you prefer more mint. 
  • The tomatoes: I love cherry tomatoes in this recipe, but have also used Roma when cherry tomatoes are not available. If opting for Roma, choose three firm tomatoes and dice them small. 
  • Meal Prep: Quinoa can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator up to two days in advance. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad itself can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

For more recipes using Bob’s Red Mill Tri-Color Quinoa, recipe inspiration and so many other fabulous ingredients head to their website! 

More Quinoa Recipes to Love

  • Black Bean Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad with Smoky Pepitas
  • Market Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
  • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad
  • Roasted Stuffed Poblanos with Smoky Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas
Print Recipe

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Time To Chill the Quinoa:20 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Servings:7 - 8 Servings
Calories:207kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
Simple ingredients come together in this flavor packed Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas. A portable, make ahead salad for lunches, picnics, light dinners or to share at potlucks. vegan + gluten free 

Ingredients

  • 1 C (190g) Bob's Red Mill Tri Color Quinoa
  • 2 C (472g) Water
  • 1 1/2 C (220g) Cooked Chickpeas, from one can, drained or home cooked from raw
  • 2 C (350g) Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half, some quartered. Roma tomatoes may be subbed, about three, diced small.
  • 2 C (240g) Slicing Cucumber diced in small cubes, skins on if organic, about one large or two small
  • 3/4 C (40g) Curly Parsley chopped fine, about one big bunch
  • 2/3 C (35g) Green Onions / Scallions sliced thin, white and green parts
  • 2 Tbs Mint* see note, chopped fine
  • Fresh Ground Pepper

For the Dressing:

  • 1/3 C (65g) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Lemon, zested
  • 1/3 C (70g) Fresh Lemon Juice about 1 1/2 lemons
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic minced
  • 3/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt

Instructions

  • Soak the quinoa over night covering it in at least 2" of water (if desired). Otherwise, simply rinse the quinoa through a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then cook as directed. 
    In a medium sauce pot add the soaked (or unsoaked and rinsed under running water) quinoa and 2 C water. Stir in a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Cover, turn heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender and the 'tails' are showing. Soaked quinoa will take about 8 minutes and need to be drained while unsoaked quinoa takes about 15 minutes to cook (no draining needed). Drain any excess water and spoon into a large mixing bowl. Set in the refrigerator to cool, for at least 20 minutes. 
  • To the large mixing bowl with the quinoa, add the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, onions and mint. Add plenty of fresh ground pepper to taste. Pour dressing (see below) over the ingredients and gently toss to incorporate. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra lemon wedges.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving. Store in a lidded container for up to three days. 

For the Dressing:

  • In a small lidded jar, add the oil, zest, juice, garlic and salt. Shake until an emulsion is formed. Store at room temperature until ready to use. 

Notes

*Mint: With 2 Tbs of fine chopped mint in this salad, there is only a hint of its flavor. This is how I like it. However, I've tasted a wide array of tabbouleh with varying degrees of mint. So, have a little extra mint on hand. If you'd like more, add it to taste and enjoy that minty freshness! 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 266mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 940IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

You might also like:

Grilled Panzanella Salad in a large serving bowl with two spoons for sharing.

Grilled Panzanella Salad with Chickpeas and Quinoa

Peanut Noodle Salad in a serving bowl with chopsticks twirling the noodles.

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Overhead shot of Thai Vegetable Fried Rice with Cashews on a wood board with a linen cloth ready for sharing.

Thai Vegetable Fried Rice with Cashews

Overhead shot of Forbidden Rice Salad with Mango, Bok Choy and Coconut Curried Dressing in a big bowl, ready to be shared.

Forbidden Rice® Salad with Mango, Bok Choy and Coconut Curried Dressing

Shares4.1kPinShareYummly

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive free sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review the Vanilla And Bean privacy policy.
Previous Post: « Pulled Portobello BBQ Sandwiches
Next Post: Fresh Piña Colada Recipe »

Primary Sidebar

well hello!

I’m Traci and this is my blog. So Glad You Stopped By!

Here you’ll find full of flavor vegetarian comfort food with vegan and gluten free recipes too. I also share sourdough, sweets and naturally sweetened baked goods and desserts recipes because we all gotta have a little balance!

Learn More About Traci  or  The Blog.

Get on the List!

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

Right this Way to Subscribe

Start Here!

Why vegetarian, what you’ll find on Vanilla And Bean and fan favorites all right here!

Right this Way to Start

Footer

Affiliate Info

Vanilla And Bean is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and/or purchase an item after clicking on a link, Vanilla And Bean may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use through my affiliate links. To learn more please see my Affiliate Policy. Thank you for your support!

© Vanilla And Bean, LLC  – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any content or images without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is prohibited. Licensing inquiries for publication, general distribution, and/or commercial use, please contact me on my contact page.

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean · Website by Meyne

Menu

Home · Recipes · Contact · Privacy Policy
Terms of Use · Accessibility · California Privacy Notice

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean On Genesis Framework · Log in

Get On The List!
Get On The List!
_____________________

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, as well as my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox.

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
  • Recipes
    ▼
    • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      ▼
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Seasonal Recipes
      ▼
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Sourdough
      ▼
      • Sourdough Discard Recipes
      • Gluten Free Sourdough
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      ▼
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter!
  • Start Here
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
    ▼
    • Contact
    • A little bit about me…
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
Vanilla And Bean and our partners use cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn More

COOKIE SETTINGS   ACCEPT
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
__cfduid14 weeksThe cookie is set by CloudFare. The cookie is used to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address d apply security settings on a per-client basis. It doesnot correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
OptanonConsent01 yearTracks users cookie consent preferences
viewed_cookie_policy011 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Advertisement
CookieTypeDurationDescription
IDE12 yearsUsed by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE15 monthsThis cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_ga02 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid01 dayThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id16 monthsProvided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
GPS030 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_gat01 minuteThis cookies is installed by Google Universal Analytics to throttle the request rate to limit the colllection of data on high traffic sites.
YSC1This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
YTCpersistent10 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube to manage the embed and viewing of videos