Flavors Worth Savoring
Tabbouleh: A Refreshing Levantine Salad
Course: salad, side dishCuisine: Levant (Middle Eastern Mediterranean)Difficulty: EasyServings
4 to 6
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
10
minutesCalories
150
kcalRest time
10
minutesTabbouleh, is a classic Levantine salad that has become a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with fresh flavors, this salad is primarily made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur wheat, all dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. The key to a great Taboulé is balancing the freshness of the herbs with the tanginess of the lemon, creating a light, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bulgur Wheat: ½ cup, fine
Boiling Water: 1 cup
Fresh Parsley: 2 bunches, finely chopped
Fresh Mint: ½ bunch, finely chopped
Tomatoes: 2 large, finely diced
Cucumber: 1 medium, finely diced (optional)
Green Onions: 3, finely chopped
Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (from about 2 lemons)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
Directions
- Prepare the Bulgur Wheat:
Place the bulgur wheat in a large mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over it, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is soft.
Fluff the bulgur with a fork to separate the grains. - Chop the Vegetables:
While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop the parsley and mint, ensuring they are very fine for the best texture.
Dice the tomatoes and cucumber (if using), and finely chop the green onions. - Mix the Ingredients:
Once the bulgur is ready, add the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions to the bowl.
Pour the lemon juice and olive oil over the mixture, and season with salt and black pepper. - Combine and Rest:
Toss everything together gently to combine.
Let the Tabbouleh sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serving Suggestions:
Tabbouleh is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect side dish or light appetizer. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, falafel, or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and pita bread.
Notes
- Bulgur Wheat: This cracked wheat grain is essential to Tabbouleh, providing a slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture that contrasts with the freshness of the herbs and the juiciness of the tomatoes.
