Tabbouleh salad bursts with fresh flavors, combining parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur in a zesty lemon dressing. This Middle Eastern staple offers a perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and herbaceous brightness. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal, tabbouleh brings a refreshing and healthy addition to any table.
Ingredients
For the best tabbouleh, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Salad:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (fine or medium grain)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 bunches fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- ½ bunch fresh mint, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 small cucumber, finely diced (optional)
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (optional)
Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bulgur
Place the bulgur in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over it and cover with a plate or plastic wrap. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it absorbs the liquid. Once softened, fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Chop the Herbs and Vegetables
While the bulgur cools, finely chop the parsley and mint. Using a sharp knife, slice them as finely as possible to release their oils without bruising them. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber into small, even pieces. Chop the green onions and red onion, if using.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and allspice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Combine Everything
Add the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and red onion to the bulgur. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Let the Flavors Develop
For the best taste, let the tabbouleh sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Tabbouleh pairs well with pita bread, hummus, or grilled meats. Serve it alongside falafel or use it as a topping for wraps and sandwiches. For a gluten-free version, substitute bulgur with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Storage Tips
Store leftover tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors intensify overnight, but the salad may release some liquid. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal cooking and comes together quickly.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a salad, side dish, or light main course.
- Naturally Vegan: A perfect plant-based dish for any occasion.
Tabbouleh’s vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to dish for anyone looking to add freshness to their meals.
Meta Description: This fresh and flavorful tabbouleh salad recipe combines parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur with a zesty lemon dressing for a healthy Mediterranean dish.
