A twist on the popular Lebanese dish, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad is filled with fresh flavors, naturally gluten-free and great for making in advance.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been the party planner of the group. My friends still reminisce about my annual birthday sleepovers that I started hosting at the age of 4. When I decided to study hospitality in college and started working in meeting and event planning in my twenties, no one was surprised. What can I say? I love a good excuse to get together with others.
Believe me, I know how hard it can be to entertain when you have a busy job and endless family obligations. However, I firmly believe in the value of unplugging and getting together with loved ones in person.
After all, life is too short to wait for that perfect opportunity to entertain. And frankly, Michigan summers are too magical to spend indoors checking your Snaps all day. To help give you the nudge, I’ve partnered with La Terra Fina to share 5 tried and true tips for effortless summer entertaining:
Tried and true tips for effortless summer entertaining
Prep In Advance:
The hour or two before your guests arrive will inevitably be stressful. Plan a menu that can be prepared in advance so that you can spend those last moments primping and greeting your guests. This Quinoa Tabbouleh salad is great for making ahead and can be kept in a refrigerated container for up to 4 days.
Your house is perfect enough. Your hair and make-up are done enough. Your kitchen is clean enough. Your outfit is nice enough. You are enough. Now let your friends in already.
Smart Short Cuts:
I first fell in love with La Terra Fina quiches when I was racing out the door to head to my cousin’s cottage on Lake Michigan. The weather was beautiful and we knew no one would want to spend all day in the kitchen. I grabbed the Spinach & Artichoke Florentine Quiche on my way out the door and popped it in the oven to warm when I arrived. It was ready right as guests were arriving and I didn’t have to mess up the kitchen in the process. Spoiler Alert: It tastes like warm Greek spinach and feta pie, has 10+ grams of protein per serving and is made with all-natural ingredients.
Affordable Protein Sources:
I love a juicy steak just as much as the next gal but when it comes to feeding a crowd, don’t forget about your pantry. Farro, lentils, eggs, quinoa, chickpeas and bulgur are just a few examples of protein-rich foods that are not only easier on the waistline but won’t break the budget.
Ask for Help:
There’s no need to be a hero. Your friends and family want to help so let them! Have someone pick up a crusty loaf of bread on their way over or bring their favorite bottle of wine. When the party starts to wind down, ask someone to turn on a pot of coffee or help load the dishwasher. Hosting a get together of any size is a group effort so don’t be afraid to enlist help from others.
What are your best tips for effortless summer entertaining? I would love to hear your ideas!
Your fork is waiting.
Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Quinoa
Ingredients
- ½ cup leftover cooked quinoa (I used red quinoa but any variety works)
- 2 cups finely minced fresh parsley
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (or seeded diced roma tomatoes)
- ½ cup diced cucumbers
- ¼ cup minced scallions
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint
- 1 juice of lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place quinoa through mint in a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper; toss well.
- Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly before serving.
Great recipe…..thank you! Cleaning out the fridge – no scallions and not as many tomatoes as called for, but I diced some radishes and red onion and added a bit more cucumber. Packed it up for lunches this week and I am good to go! Next time: more tomatoes, and some scallions…. Easy as can be. Fresh and nutritious and tasty…win/ win / win!
Love how you made it your own! Sounds great!!
Liz, great post as usual. I love to entertain, too, and om one of few among my friends who still does–and makes most of the food but like yoiu, I know when buying makes more sense. My best friend calls it the “Big Easy” approach. I can relate to the “good enough” tip oh, so well. Someone once told me I was still trying for the A+ when a “gentleman’s C” was all that was needed. I’ve never forgotten that advice, though I have to admit that it doesn’t come easily (which is why I’m still in the pre-launch stages of the blog!). Knowing what’s good enough takes time with a new venture. Love the Quinoa Tabbouleh idea; I may make it as the side for my Rosh Hashanah luncheon next month. I will report back with a rating when I do, though I am sure it is excellent.
I completely agree Marlene. Can’t wait to hear how the tabbouleh goes!!
No joke, I was literally thinking about making a quinoa tabbouleh about a week ago! Now I need to get into the kitchen and make mine!
Oh man it had been on my mind for so long and I finally did it – so glad I did!
These are such handy tips, Liz!! And this salad, I find something like this at my grocery store- but I can’t bring myself to spend $6 a pound to buy it, I’d rather make it!! This is defintiely one I will make and save some dough!
Oh man it’s CRAZY what they charge for these salads isn’t it?? xo
I looovveee entertaining! The menu planning and food making and food sharing is my favorite part. Obviously.
This tabbouleh is so perfect for a party! Or just for me to eat a whole bowl of for lunch… :P
I love a new salad with quinoa – and tabbouleh is definitely a winner!
Lol, I am the party planner too. It’s crazy how it’s become second nature. My aunt would feel so special if I made this salad for her – she would love it! Sending it her way now :)
Summer entertaining is my favorite! Love your tips! And this salad! Yum!!
Thank you so much!!
Love this make ahead dish!! Looks so tasty!!
Yummy!! This looks really good!
No joke, I was just thinking last week that I wanted to make a quinoa tabbouleh for my family! Now I really want to make it – your looks delicious!
Love these pictures! See you tomorrow, and yes, my house will be just clean enough ;)
I heart you my friend!!! :) xoxox
I LOVE THIS! I have recently been trying to be ok with “enough.” The pictures are good enough, house is clean enough…..and this salad? 1000% delicious enough! I love quinoa and this totally my jam! Pinned!
Yes girl – I an assure you, you’re enough!!! Thank you for sharing and reading. xo
I’m the party planner, too. And now with the pool, our house is definitely the hot spot…or um, cool spot? this summer. I’m sad it’s coming to an end. But I think I have one more in me, and the salad could make an appearance! Also? Favorite tip: Perfect Enough. YES.
Oh man a pool? You’re definitely the party planner!! When should I come? :) xoxo
Such great tips – I love shortcuts when entertaining. And I love asking people to bring something – they usually wan to anyways!
PS: THIS SALAD. You know I love this salad.
I have to say – quinoa is not always my favorite but I’ve learned it’s all about how you prepare it. This salad was so damn good – you’d love it!