Tabouli Salad
Tabouli Salad is a refreshing and vibrant Middle Eastern dish featuring fresh parsley, bulgur wheat, mint, and tomatoes, combined with tangy lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for summer, this healthy salad is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and easily customizable to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Quinoa (to substitute bulgur for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh lemon zest, grated
- Prepare Bulgur Wheat: Soak 1 cup of bulgur wheat in cold water for 15-20 minutes until softened but still slightly chewy. Drain thoroughly using a fine mesh sieve to remove excess moisture.
- Chop Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop 2 cups of parsley and 1/2 cup of mint leaves. Dice 2 medium tomatoes and thinly slice 3 green onions for fresh texture and bright flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, place the drained bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished optionally with extra fresh mint leaves or pomegranate seeds.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Chop herbs finely to enhance flavor release and ease of eating.
- Drain bulgur completely to avoid sogginess.
- Allow salad to rest chilled for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing, adding more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- Enjoy salad cold or at room temperature; do not reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tabouli Salad, Tabbouleh, Middle Eastern Salad, Bulgur Salad, Healthy Salad, Summer Salad, Gluten-Free Tabouli, Vegan Salad, Fresh Herb Salad