Healthy Middle Eastern Dishes for Weight Loss: Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables by chopping the parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into small, uniform pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the chopped vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.