Ingredients

1 cup quinoa 

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 

2 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped 

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves 

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves 

3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons), plus 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup) 

1 medium tomato, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup) 

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 

Preparation

Toast quinoa in a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until grains are tender, about 15 to 16 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.

Add herbs, lemon juice and zest, cucumber, tomato, and oil; mix thoroughly to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Tabbouleh can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated, covered.