Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

This protein-packed version of a Mediterranean classic uses quinoa instead of the traditional bulgur. Seasoned with refreshing mint and parsley, it’s a light yet filling side dish — though just as hearty on its own, too.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

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Product Size

  • Small Dish
  • Medium Shallow
  • Large Shallow
  • Medium Deep
  • Large Deep

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Free Time

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup (90g) quinoa
  • ¾ cup (180ml) water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Toppings 

  • 1 cup (70g) parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon mint, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice 
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add the quinoa, water, and garlic into the Anyday dish and mix to combine. 
  2. Cook uncovered in the microwave at Power Level 7

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

    for 12 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid. Rest covered for 2 minutes.
  3. Strain any excess liquid. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Mix in the remaining ingredients and enjoy slightly warm or cold.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over. 
  • Red or white quinoa also work in place of the heirloom version, though red will hold its shape better. 
  • Add fire-roasted corn kernels for extra bursts of flavor.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.