Quinoa is a small, light-colored round grain, sometimes mistaken for couscous. But make no mistake, quinoa’s nutrition far exceeds couscous. Quinoa is available red, purple and black. Most quinoa must be rinsed before cooking, to remove the bitter residue of saponins, a plant-defense that wards off insects.

Here is a simple way to make tabbouleh with quinoa.

Quinoa Tabbouleh

(Makes 4-6 servings) Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon pink himalayan sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 3 green onions, diced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Enjoy cold as a main dish or a side.

Quinoa Tabbouleh by Dave Sherotski

@DaveShertoski