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Tabouli Salad

Tabouli Salad

Tabouli Salad is a refreshing and vibrant Middle Eastern summer dish that combines fresh parsley, mint, ripe tomatoes, and bulgur wheat, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. This light, nutritious, and flavorful salad is perfect as a healthy lunch, picnic side, or accompaniment to grilled dishes, bringing bright Mediterranean flavors to your table with ease.

Ingredients

Scale

Herbs and Vegetables

  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced small
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Main Ingredient

  • 1 cup bulgur wheat (soaked in cold water for 1520 minutes, then drained)

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bulgur Wheat: Soak 1 cup of bulgur wheat in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes until it softens but remains slightly chewy. Drain any excess water thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  2. Chop the Herbs and Vegetables: Finely chop the parsley and mint leaves. Dice the ripe tomatoes into small pieces and thinly slice the green onions to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
  3. Mix the Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine the drained bulgur wheat with the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions. Stir gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without bruising the herbs.
  4. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and bright in flavor.
  5. Toss and Chill: Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and mint for the brightest, most flavorful result—avoid dried herbs.
  • Drain bulgur wheat thoroughly after soaking to prevent a watery salad.
  • Chop all herbs and vegetables finely for balanced texture and smooth flavor blending.
  • Adjust lemon juice to your taste preference to control tartness and freshness.
  • Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the texture and freshness of herbs and vegetables degrade upon thawing.
  • Tabouli Salad is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tabouli, Tabbouleh, Middle Eastern Salad, Bulgur Wheat Salad, Summer Salad, Parsley Salad, Mint Salad, Healthy Salad, Gluten-Free Salad Alternative