tabbouleh
Tabbouleh salad, a Mediterranean classic, brings bulgur, fresh herbs and vegetables for a light, vibrant meal. Taste sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the bulgur: In a bowl, combine bulgur wheat and hot water. Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes until the bulgur softens. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the soaked bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions. Mix gently to combine.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss everything until all ingredients are well coated and evenly mixed.
- Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the tabbouleh for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Tabbouleh is a beloved Mediterranean salad celebrated for its vibrant freshness, making it a perfect choice for light meals, appetizers, or as part of a mezze spread. Its versatility shines—you can serve it chilled or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes from grilled meats to simple hummus.
Practical Tips for Perfect Tabbouleh
- Use flat-leaf parsley and chop it finely for the best texture. The salad should be green-forward, not overly grainy.
- If you don't have bulgur, quinoa or couscous make excellent gluten-free and quick-cooking alternatives.
- Soak bulgur just until tender; too much water or over-soaking can make your salad mushy. Always fluff the grains to keep them light.
- Seed the tomatoes before chopping—this keeps the salad from becoming watery while emphasizing the tomato's natural sweetness.
Preparation and Serving Advice
Combine your herbs and vegetables only when you're ready to dress and serve the salad. This ensures maximum freshness and crunch. When preparing herbs, dry them thoroughly after washing to avoid excess moisture. Tabbouleh tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld. If you’re making it ahead, toss the salad with only half the lemon juice and olive oil, adding the rest just before serving for a fresh finish.Serving Suggestions and Variations
While classic tabbouleh features bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon, you can get creative:- Try adding pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color.
- For a protein boost, toss in some chickpeas or crumbled feta.
- Tabbouleh is the perfect accompaniment to grilled lamb, chicken, or falafel. It also makes a refreshing topping for warm pita bread or can be spooned alongside baba ganoush for a rich flavor contrast.
