Grilled Lamb Kofta over Quinoa Tabbouleh

Grilled Lamb Kofta over Quinoa Tabbouleh

Mia

This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together the smoky, aromatic flavors of grilled lamb kofta with the fresh, herbaceous brightness of quinoa tabbouleh. Traditional kofta, a beloved staple across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, features ground lamb seasoned with aromatic spices, fresh mint, and parsley, then shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The result is a beautifully charred exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior that's both satisfying and surprisingly lean.

The quinoa tabbouleh offers a nutritious twist on the classic bulgur-based salad, incorporating protein-rich quinoa as the base while maintaining the essential elements that make tabbouleh so refreshing: abundant fresh parsley, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a bright lemon dressing. This combination creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors—the warm, spiced meat contrasting beautifully with the cool, zesty grains.

This recipe embodies the principles of the Mediterranean Diet with its emphasis on lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil. It's a complete meal that delivers approximately 35 grams of protein per serving while remaining light and energizing. Whether you're grilling outdoors in summer or using an indoor grill pan year-round, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table.

Perfect for entertaining or meal prep, the kofta can be shaped ahead of time and the tabbouleh actually improves after sitting for an hour, making this an ideal make-ahead dinner option. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and warm pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean feast that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Nutrition

50 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 26.00g
Carbs 32.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

1 cupquinoa, rinsed
2 cupswater
1.5 lbsground lamb, lean
1/2 mediumyellow onion, finely grated
3 Nonegarlic cloves, minced
1 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped, divided
1/4 cupfresh mint, finely chopped
2 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
1 tsppaprika
1/4 tspground cinnamon
1.5 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1.5 cupscherry tomatoes, diced
1 mediumEnglish cucumber, diced
4 Nonegreen onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cupfresh lemon juice
1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil
1/2 cupGreek yogurt, for serving (optional)
4 Nonelemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
medium saucepan with lid
tongs
small mixing bowl
large mixing bowl
fork
chef's knife
meat thermometer
grill or grill pan
metal or wooden skewers (8)
grater

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense, balanced meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing substantial protein (35g), complex carbohydrates from quinoa, healthy fats, and abundant vegetables to deliver sustained energy and satiety throughout the fasting period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with the vast majority of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including fresh vegetables, herbs, quinoa, and lean lamb, with only minimal processed elements, emphasizing anti-inflammatory ingredients and fiber-rich whole grains.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh herbs, vegetables, whole grain quinoa, and lean ground lamb, with no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, or processed foods.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe fits flexible dieting principles with its nutrient-dense whole food ingredients, balanced macronutrients including lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, and clear portion measurements that enable accurate macro tracking while providing satisfaction and variety.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using quinoa as the grain base instead of traditional bulgur wheat, with all other ingredients being whole, unprocessed foods that contain no gluten-containing grains or derivatives.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-healthy with its use of lean ground lamb, heart-protective extra virgin olive oil, whole grain quinoa, and abundant vegetables rich in antioxidants. The emphasis on fresh herbs and spices for flavoring keeps sodium low while maximizing cardiovascular benefits.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe provides excellent fiber content from quinoa (a high-fiber whole grain), abundant fresh parsley, vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes, and herbs, easily delivering 5-8+ grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health.

High-Protein Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-protein diets, delivering approximately 35 grams of protein per serving from lean ground lamb, making protein the star component while including nutrient-dense quinoa and vegetables for balanced nutrition.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This recipe is excellent for macro tracking with its clear portions and balanced macronutrient profile, providing approximately 35g of protein per serving from lean lamb, complex carbohydrates from quinoa, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it easy to fit into daily macro targets.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense meal is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing approximately 35 grams of protein per serving along with complex carbohydrates from quinoa, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vegetables to maximize nutritional value and support sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating with its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, balanced nutrition from whole foods, and emphasis on both nourishment and pleasure through aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients without restriction or guilt.

Macro Diet

Perfect for flexible dieting with its well-balanced macronutrient profile featuring lean protein from lamb (approximately 35g), complex carbohydrates from quinoa, and healthy fats from olive oil, all in clearly measured portions that make tracking straightforward.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with its emphasis on whole grains (quinoa), lean protein (lean ground lamb), abundant vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The dish is nutrient-dense and portion-controlled while avoiding refined grains and excessive saturated fats.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, whole grains (quinoa), abundant fresh herbs and vegetables, and lean lamb protein. The dish features heart-healthy ingredients like fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon juice while using herbs and spices for flavoring rather than excessive salt.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and aromatic flavors from fresh herbs and spices that engage multiple senses. The combination of warm spiced lamb with cool, crisp vegetables encourages slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by using lean ground lamb, whole grain quinoa, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and minimal added fats. The emphasis on fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean protein creates a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1
15 min

Combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.

2

While the quinoa cooks, prepare the kofta mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of the chopped parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

3

Using your hands, mix the lamb mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined, about 2 minutes. Don't overmix or the kofta will become tough.

2 min
4

Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, mold each portion around a skewer, forming an elongated oval shape about 5-6 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place the formed kofta on a plate.

8 min
5

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

5 min
6

Remove the quinoa from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool to room temperature.

5 min
7
12 min

Grill the kofta skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and charring on all sides. The kofta should reach an internal temperature of 160°F and be nicely browned.

8

While the kofta grills, prepare the tabbouleh. Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and remaining 1/2 cup parsley to the cooled quinoa.

9

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.

1 min
10

Remove the kofta from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

3 min
11

To serve, divide the quinoa tabbouleh among four plates or shallow bowls. Top each portion with 2 kofta skewers. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and lemon wedges if desired.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions