Gluten Free Tabouleh

When it comes to gut health, the food we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. That's why I'm excited to share with you today one of the best tabouleh recipes that not only tastes amazing but is also incredibly good for your gut. Tabouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that's packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, making it an excellent source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Note if your digestion is compromised, too much fibre could be irritating to your gut. In this recipe, we'll be using ingredients that are specifically chosen to promote healthy gut function, including parsley, garlic and lemon juice.

Studies have shown that consuming foods high in fibre and nutrients can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even boost immunity. That's why tabouleh is a great dish to add to your diet if you're looking to support your gut health.

Tabouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that's typically made with bulgur wheat. However, in this recipe, I've swapped out the wheat for a gluten-free alternative that still gives the dish the same delicious texture and nutty flavour. I've also included plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables to support diversity in your diet and gut bacteria.

As someone that’s gluten-free, I want you to know how tasty gluten-free can still be! Whether you're gluten intolerant, have celiac disease, or just looking for a tasty and healthy salad, this gluten-free tabouleh is a must-try!

Before we dive in, let’s look at some of the benefits!

Parsley is a powerhouse! It has high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin A, helps fight inflammation, and supports liver detoxing (we need this for happy hormones + a healthy gut.) Parsley supports your digestion by helping stimulate kidney production of urine and drawing excess water out of the abdomen, where it can cause discomfort and indigestion. It can be helpful to reduce water retention and bloating.

Garlic + onions are a good source of prebiotic food to help feed your good gut bacteria and keep it happy!

Lemon juice provides you with Vitamin C to support hormonal balance, your metabolism, a healthy gut environment, a strong immune system + increased energy.

Gluten Free Tabouleh

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa

• 1 cup diced cucumber (about 2 small)

• 1 cup diced tomato (about 1 large)

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 large bunch of parsley

• 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 medium clove garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook your quinoa according to the package and let it cool completely. (You may want to do this ahead of time or use leftovers.)

2. Combine the diced cucumber, tomato, and onion in a medium bowl.

3. Remove parsley from thick stems. Chop finely or use a food processor (this is much easier and saves you a lot of time!) Depending on the size of the food processor you may need to divide the bunch into smaller sections. Add finely chopped parsley to your bowl.

4. Add the cooled quinoa, to the bowl.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Pour it into the salad and stir to combine. Taste, and adjust if necessary—adding more lemon juice or salt if desired.

6. If time allows let it rest for 15 minutes in the fridge to pull out the flavours - if not serve immediately.

NOTES

I love eating this with tzatziki but is also delicious with hummus as a side.

Tabbouleh will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag me @erinlamb.ca