Tabouli (Tabbouleh) Recipe
Tabouli (Tabbouleh) is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur, fresh parsley, mint, spring onions, and tomatoes, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. This vibrant salad is light, healthy, and perfect as a side dish or a standalone light meal.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (soaking time for bulgur)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Grains
Herbs and Vegetables
- 3 packed cups flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup mint leaves (finely chopped)
- 5 spring onions (finely chopped)
- ½ pound tomatoes (cut into small dice)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Bulgur: Soak ¼ cup bulgur in hot water for 20 minutes to soften, then squeeze out any excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, you may boil the bulgur according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop 3 packed cups of flat-leaf parsley, ¼ cup of mint leaves, 5 spring onions, and dice ½ pound of tomatoes into small pieces. If the tomatoes are very watery, drain any excess juice. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the bulgur.
- Season the Salad: Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tabouli cold as a light lunch or as a healthy side dish alongside pita bread, hummus, or grilled vegetables. It is ideal for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Notes
- Soaking bulgur instead of boiling retains a firmer texture in the salad.
- Make sure to finely chop the herbs and vegetables to get the authentic tabouli texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to your taste preference for acidity and richness.
- This salad is best served chilled and improves in flavor after resting.
- For gluten-free version, substitute bulgur with cooked quinoa or millet.
Keywords: Tabouli, Tabbouleh, Middle Eastern salad, bulgur salad, parsley salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, side dish