Tabbouleh Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Middle Eastern Classic

Tabbouleh salad is a true celebration of fresh ingredients, and it’s one of the shining stars of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its vibrant green color and refreshing flavors, tabbouleh is a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a nutritious side dish, or just craving a burst of flavor, this dish has earned its place as a favorite across the globe—just like hummus, falafel, and pita bread.

This recipe is a love letter to fresh herbs, especially parsley, which takes center stage. Mint and green onion join in to add freshness and depth, while bulgur or couscous provides the perfect base for all these flavors to come together. If you’re looking to try something new and healthy, this tabbouleh salad is the perfect dish!

Why You’ll Love Tabbouleh Salad:

1. Packed with Fresh Herbs: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the flat-leaf parsley—rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants. The addition of mint and green onions adds refreshing flavors and extra nutritional benefits.

2. Quick and Easy: With just a 20-minute prep time and a total time of just over an hour, this salad is simple to make yet bursting with flavor.

3. Customizable: Whether you prefer couscous, semolina, or want to skip the grains entirely, this recipe can be adapted to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Tabbouleh is great for meal prep! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually improve as it sits.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe: Fresh, Healthy, and Full of Flavor

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup medium-grind bulgur (or couscous/semolina)

• 3/4 cup boiling water

• 4 cups flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 2 bunches)

• 1/2 cup finely chopped mint

• 4 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 vine-ripened tomato, seeded and finely chopped

• 1/2 seedless cucumber, seeded and finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bulgur (or Grain):

   • Start by cooking the bulgur (or couscous/semolina) according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, pour the boiling water over the bulgur and let it sit for about an hour, allowing the grains to soften and absorb the water.

   • After an hour, fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains and set it aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Veggies and Herbs:

   • Finely chop the parsley, mint, and green onions. Dice the tomato and cucumber, removing the seeds from both for a cleaner texture.

   • In a large bowl, combine all the fresh ingredients—parsley, mint, green onions, tomato, cucumber, and the cooled bulgur.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small glass jar, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.

   • Place the lid on the jar and shake it well to emulsify the dressing.

4. Toss and Serve:

   • Pour the dressing over the grain and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are coated in the flavorful dressing.

   • Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days for the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips:

• Make it grain-free: If you're following a gluten-free or grain-free diet, simply omit the bulgur or couscous and enjoy a fresh herb salad that’s even lighter and just as satisfying.

• Add Protein: To make it a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with extra spices such as paprika or sumac to give your tabbouleh a unique twist.

Why Tabbouleh is a Must-Have Dish:

Tabbouleh salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying addition to any meal. Full of fresh, bright ingredients and packed with nutrients, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the tastes of the Middle East and Mediterranean while also nourishing your body.

Perfect for meal prep, a summer BBQ, or even a weeknight dinner, tabbouleh will soon become a staple in your recipe collection.

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Give this fresh, vibrant tabbouleh salad a try today, and discover why it’s loved around the world!