The very versatile quinoa pulls a light and fresh Kale Tabbouleh Salad. And it does so splendidly; like a boss! Who needs traditional bulgur wheat when you can use a wonderful gluten-free ancient grain like quinoa that works well anywhere you throw it, pretty much. Not to outshine the addition of fine-chopped lemony massaged kale; which in my humble opinion, elevates this classic salad to “next-level good” status. Classic parsley and mint optional, but I highly recommend that you include these for that characteristic herby goodness.

I grew up with a side of tabbouleh on my plate; a savory Middle Eastern salad that is perfect for any and ALL of your meals.  You can enjoy it with toast or fresh pita, next to your favorite protein, on top of rice, with avocado; you name it. I literally eat this crunchy and lemony salad year-round.

As a kid, we’d jump in the car every Sunday and visit my grandmother (think: a two hour drive to her house outside the city). Her house was always hot and she was tiny, but feisty and loved to cook for her four sons and grandchildren more than anything else in the world. She was a skilled cook; those ninja knife skills spelled maximum dexterity and she could cook a repertoire of dishes solely out of memory. Yep. She never used/wrote a recipe (imagine my challenge!); she was an intuitive (and intimidating cook)!

Much to her old-world disappointment; none of my cousins were really either into cooking or baking… it just didn’t excite them. Most of them actually never learned to cook themselves; despite the fact all my aunts were great cooks. My grandma always used to say that her food and her dishes “would die with her”.

Grandma, your food is alive and well! 🙂 Your go-to ingredients, techniques, dishes, soups and especially THAT creamy hummus all live and shine bright on this blog. Sadly; she can’t remember who she is or who we are; as often happens with a very cruel disease… But- if she were able to follow this blog and see much of her favorites recreated; my dear Jeannette would be so darn proud.

To see one of her granddaughters take up cooking, pick old family favorites and share them with others would mean so much to her. A lot of my cousins support this space and I know they smile too when they see a dish we all grew up on. Food was such a big part of family life, not just food itself- but the act of eating meals together. It’s always on Sundays when I miss my crazy family the most.

SO…. give this humble little salad a try. It will surprise you! If you get invited to a summer potluck, bring a whole bunch of this salad and watch it disappear. The perfect side to your summer barbecue! 😉