Stuffed Grape Leaves Salad

Stuffed Grape Leaves Salad is a vibrant and hearty Lebanese dish that combines the classic flavors of stuffed grape leaves with fresh, crisp salad elements. This high-protein salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

• Grape leaves - 200 grams (about 20 leaves)
• Quinoa - 100 grams (1/2 cup)
• Ground beef or lamb - 100 grams
• Chickpeas - 100 grams (cooked or canned)
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams (1/2 cup, chopped)
• Fresh mint - 10 grams (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Tomato - 100 grams (1 medium, diced)
• Cucumber - 100 grams (1 small, diced)
• Red onion - 30 grams (1/4 small, diced)
• Lemon juice - 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Olive oil - 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Rinse the grape leaves under cold water and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Usually, this involves rinsing it, then boiling it in double the amount of water for about 15 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
3. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb, seasoning with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and let cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked meat, chickpeas, parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with lemon juice and remaining olive oil, then mix well.
5. Take a grape leaf and place about a tablespoon of the filling mixture at the base. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
6. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice if desired. Serve with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika on top.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the meat and chickpeas, supporting muscle health.
• High in fiber from quinoa and vegetables, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.

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