Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with the Chow Brothers Cauliflower Quinoa Taboulleh – a mouthwatering fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and modern nutrition that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This isn't just another boring salad; it's a vibrant, protein-packed dish that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 small head cauliflower, grated
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, grate the cauliflower using a box grater or food processor, creating rice-like cauliflower pieces.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 10 minutes, fluffing with a fork occasionally.
- Finely chop fresh parsley and mint leaves, discarding any tough stems.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, grated cauliflower, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
- Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the mixture, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated with dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing salad or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter saponin coating, ensuring a clean, nutty flavor.
- Use a box grater or food processor for the cauliflower to achieve a consistent, rice-like texture.
- Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the fresh herbs.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to customize by adding extra vegetables like diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible – they make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Adjust lemon and seasoning to your personal preference just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
