Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that brightens any meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh) is one of my absolute favorites. It’s light yet filling, packed with nutritious ingredients, and bursting with flavor from the herbs and lemon. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit.

What makes this Tabouli salad special is its simplicity and versatility. The fresh parsley and mint bring an aromatic touch that makes each bite feel like a celebration. Plus, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a delightful side on your mezze platter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute meal plans.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Versatile side dish: Great for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing addition to your lunchbox.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after marinating in the fridge for a few hours or overnight!
• Family favorite: Kids love the colorful ingredients and zesty taste—it’s a win-win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tabouli salad recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather these fresh items to create a dish that everyone will enjoy!

For the Salad

• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat (uncooked)
• 3 bunches fresh parsley (tough stems removed; approximately 3-4 cups when chopped)
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves (tough stems removed; approximately 1/2 cup when chopped)
• 1/2 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (cored, seeded, and diced)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• Salt + pepper (to season)

Variations

One of the best things about this Tabouli salad recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Toss in some finely chopped cucumber or bell peppers for an extra layer of texture.
• Boost the protein: Mix in some chickpeas or cooked quinoa for a heartier version.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños for a kick of heat if you enjoy spice!
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with other herbs like cilantro or dill to suit your taste.

How to Make Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)

Step 1: Soak the Bulgur

Start by soaking the bulgur in 4 cups of boiling water. If you’d like more flavor, feel free to use vegetable broth instead! Allow the bulgur to soak for about 15-30 minutes until it softens. Once ready, drain it through a fine-mesh strainer while gently pressing out any excess liquid with a paper towel. Set it aside to cool completely—this step ensures your salad doesn’t become soggy!

Step 2: Prepare the Parsley and Mint

Next up, it’s time to chop those beautiful greens! Remove the thick stems from each bunch of parsley and mint. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the leaves into small pieces. This can take some time but trust me; it’s worth it for that fresh flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use a food processor—just be careful not to over-process them into mush! Transfer your finely chopped greens into a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

With everything prepped, it’s time to bring everything together! In your bowl of chopped parsley and mint, add in the cooled bulgur wheat along with sliced green onions and diced tomatoes. Gently mix these ingredients until they’re well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing will brighten up all those lovely flavors in your salad! You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste—don’t hesitate to add more lemon juice if you prefer more zing!

Step 5: Assemble

Finally, pour that tasty dressing over your salad mixture and give everything a good toss to ensure it’s evenly coated. Give it a taste test—if needed, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice until it’s just right. Now sit back and enjoy this refreshing Tabouli salad as part of your meal!

Now that you have this delicious Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh) under your belt, I can’t wait for you to try it! Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)

Creating the perfect tabouli salad is a delightful experience, and with just a few helpful tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and mint are essential for that vibrant flavor. Make sure to choose herbs that are bright green and fragrant, as this will enhance the overall taste of your salad.

• Soak bulgur properly: Ensure you soak the bulgur in boiling water until it’s tender but not mushy. This is crucial for achieving the right texture; over-soaked bulgur can make your salad soggy.

• Chop finely: The key to a great tabouli salad is finely chopped ingredients. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.

• Adjust seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Each lemon can vary in acidity, so add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference after mixing everything together.

• Let it rest: If time allows, let the tabouli sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors develop and mingle, creating an even tastier dish.

How to Serve Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)

Serving tabouli salad is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes. Here are some ideas to make your meal memorable!

Garnishes

• Fresh lemon wedges: A few lemon wedges on the side not only look beautiful but also provide an additional burst of freshness when squeezed over the salad.

• Extra herbs: Sprinkle some extra finely chopped parsley or mint on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, these skewers offer a savory contrast that complements the lightness of tabouli.

• Hummus: Creamy hummus served with warm pita bread provides a rich texture that pairs wonderfully with the fresh crunch of tabouli.

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds warmth and depth to your meal while enhancing its nutritional value.

By incorporating these garnishes and side dishes, you’ll create an inviting spread that’s sure to delight your family and friends! Enjoy every bite of this refreshing Tabouli Salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tabouli Salad Recipe is fantastic for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge, making it a perfect choice for lunches or quick snacks throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover tabouli salad in an airtight container.
• It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consider adding the dressing just before serving if you plan to store it for longer.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze tabouli salad as the texture of fresh vegetables may change upon thawing.
• However, you can freeze the soaked bulgur separately if you’ve made a large batch.

Reheating

• If you do find yourself needing to reheat any components (like bulgur), simply add a splash of water and microwave in short intervals until warm.
• Avoid reheating the entire salad since it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

You might have some questions about this delicious Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh). Here are answers to common queries!

Can I make Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh) without bulgur wheat?

Yes! You can substitute bulgur with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option. Both alternatives work beautifully and keep the salad light and refreshing.

How long does Tabouli Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this Tabouli Salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just remember that the flavors will continue to meld over time, enhancing its taste!

What can I serve with Tabouli Salad?

This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, falafel, or as part of a larger mezze platter. It’s a versatile side dish that complements various cuisines!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and flavorful Tabouli Salad Recipe! It’s not just refreshing and healthy but also a beautiful addition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this salad is sure to brighten your table. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!