Tabouli Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Tabouli salad combines bulgur wheat with fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it's versatile and full of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat medium grain preferred
- 2 cups fresh parsley finely chopped (flat-leaf type)
- ½ cup fresh mint finely chopped
- 4-5 green onions thinly sliced
- 3-4 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 medium English cucumber finely diced
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil high quality
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice plus 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg freshly grated if possible
- ¼ tsp chili powder for subtle warmth
Instructions
- Prepare the bulgur: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Place bulgur in a heat-proof bowl, pour the boiling water over it, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water using a fine mesh strainer, fluff with a fork, and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, nutmeg, and chili powder.
- Chop the herbs and vegetables: Finely chop the parsley, mint, and green onions. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooled bulgur with the dressing. Add the chopped parsley, mint, and green onions, and fold them in gently.
- Add tomatoes and cucumber: Gently incorporate the diced tomatoes and cucumber, ensuring not to release too much juice.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, substitute quinoa for bulgur. You can also add chickpeas or crumbled feta for extra protein. Serving Suggestions: Tabouli pairs beautifully with grilled meats like Greek chicken, falafel, or lamb. It also goes well with Mediterranean dishes like hummus and baba ganoush. Storage: The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. After longer storage, the vegetables can release moisture and alter the texture.
