Tabbouleh
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing, herb-packed salad that’s bursting with flavor, Tabbouleh is your new best friend. This dish is light yet satisfying, and it’s full of zesty, vibrant flavors that make it the perfect side dish or light meal. Think fresh parsley, juicy tomatoes, a hint of mint, and a tangy lemon dressing — it’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite! It’s refreshing, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Tabbouleh
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply craving something light and healthy, Tabbouleh is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Tabbouleh is the perfect side for grilled meats, as a filling for pita, or as a fresh topping for falafel.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, fresh ingredients make this an affordable option that still delivers plenty of flavor.
Quick and Easy: With a bit of chopping and mixing, this salad comes together in minutes. It’s practically effortless!
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste — add more tomatoes, toss in some cucumber, or add a bit more lemon if you like it tangy!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those dishes that’s not only healthy but also loved by everyone. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a guaranteed hit at any meal.
Ingredients in Tabbouleh
Here’s the magic of Tabbouleh — fresh ingredients that come together to make a delicious, refreshing salad.
Parsley: The base of the salad! This herb brings all the flavor and freshness. Don’t skimp on the parsley — it’s essential for that authentic taste.
Tomatoes: Juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes add sweetness and color. Be sure to remove the seeds for a cleaner texture.
Bulgur Wheat: The hearty, nutty grain that makes up the bulk of the salad. It soaks up all the tangy dressing and complements the herbs beautifully.
Mint: Fresh mint gives the salad a crisp, refreshing flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Cucumber (optional): Some variations of Tabbouleh include cucumber for an extra crunch and freshness.
Lemon Juice: A generous squeeze of lemon juice adds the right amount of tang, balancing out the herbs and vegetables.
Olive Oil: Rich and flavorful, it brings everything together in a silky dressing.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key to bringing out the fresh flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Bulgur: Start by soaking the bulgur wheat in warm water for about 15 minutes or until it softens. Drain any excess water and fluff it with a fork.
Chop Your Veggies: Finely chop the parsley, tomatoes, and mint. If you’re using cucumber, chop that too. Aim for bite-sized pieces to ensure every spoonful has all the flavors.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur wheat. Add the cucumber if you’re using it. Toss everything together gently.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste — it should be tangy, salty, and a little fruity from the olive oil.
Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together. Let the Tabbouleh chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Tabbouleh
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve it with hummus and pita for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Use it as a filling for wraps or pita sandwiches.
- Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and healthy lunch or snack.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Be sure to chop the parsley and mint very finely — this helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice.
- Make sure to drain the bulgur well after soaking it to prevent a watery salad.
- Tabbouleh is even better after it has had time to marinate, so try to make it ahead of time.
FAQs
1 Can I use couscous instead of bulgur wheat
Yes, you can substitute couscous for bulgur, but it will change the texture slightly. Bulgur has a nuttier, heartier feel.
2 How long does Tabbouleh last in the fridge
Tabbouleh is best eaten fresh, but it will last up to 2 days in the fridge. After that, the herbs might lose their brightness.
3 Can I make Tabbouleh ahead of time
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
4 What can I add to Tabbouleh for extra flavor
Try adding a little garlic or a pinch of cumin for an extra depth of flavor.
5 How do I keep Tabbouleh from getting soggy
Be sure to drain the bulgur well after soaking it. You can also add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
6 Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint
Fresh mint is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried mint in a pinch. Just use half the amount.
7 Is Tabbouleh gluten-free
No, Tabbouleh contains bulgur wheat, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute quinoa for a gluten-free option.
8 How spicy is Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh isn’t spicy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want a little heat.
9 Can I make Tabbouleh without olive oil
You can, but olive oil really enhances the flavor. If you’re avoiding it, try using avocado oil or another neutral oil.
10 Can I add more vegetables to Tabbouleh
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it — a bright, vibrant salad that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. Tabbouleh is a perfect way to pack in fresh flavors, and it’s versatile enough to serve with just about anything. It’s one of those recipes that’s not only healthy but also fun to make and eat. So, grab your parsley and tomatoes, and let’s make this dish a regular on your table. You’re going to love it!
PrintTabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad made primarily with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and soaked bulgur wheat. Dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, it’s a vibrant and healthy dish often served as part of a mezze platter or as a light side.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 0min
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: MiddleEastern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
– 2 cups boiling water
– 2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley (about 2 bunches)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 small cucumber, diced
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water and squeeze out moisture using a clean towel.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
3. Add the soaked bulgur to the vegetable and herb mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
6. Let the tabbouleh rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute quinoa for bulgur wheat. Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to taste. Tabbouleh is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1cup
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
