Tabbouleh salad is a delightful Middle Eastern dish renowned for its fresh and vibrant flavours. This traditional salad typically features finely chopped parsley, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant mint leaves. These ingredients are combined with bulgur wheat, which has been soaked and fluffed to a light, fluffy texture. The salad is then dressed with a zesty blend of olive oil and lemon juice, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Tabbouleh is cherished for its refreshing taste and makes for a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, or as a light and healthy meal on its own. Its invigorating blend of herbs and vegetables makes it a favourite choice for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean.
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bulgur Wheat:
- Place the bulgur wheat in a heatproof bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over it.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Fluff the Bulgur:
- After the bulgur has soaked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Chop the Herbs and Vegetables:
- While the bulgur is cooling, finely chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves.
- Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, and finely slice the green onions.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bulgur wheat, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional):
- If desired, refrigerate the Tabbouleh salad for about an hour before serving to allow the flavours to meld.
- Serve:
- Tabbouleh salad is best served fresh. Garnish with extra mint leaves if you like, and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
This Tabbouleh salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and perfect for warm weather. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavours!
Tips Of Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great Tabbouleh is using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Make sure your parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers are fresh and in their prime.
- Properly Prepare the Bulgur Wheat: Ensure that you soak the bulgur wheat in boiling water and let it sit until it’s tender and fully absorbed the water. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool.
- Chop Ingredients Finely: To achieve the traditional Tabbouleh texture and taste, chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber finely. This will distribute the flavours evenly throughout the salad.
- Balance Flavours: Adjust the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to your taste preferences. Tabbouleh should have a bright and zesty flavour, so don’t be shy with the lemon and fresh herbs.
- Let It Rest: While not necessary, letting the Tabbouleh salad chill in the fridge for an hour before serving can enhance the flavours as they meld together.
- Customize to Taste: Tabbouleh is a versatile salad. You can add extras like diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavour and texture.
- Serve Fresh: Tabbouleh is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made. The herbs and vegetables may wilt over time, so it’s ideal for immediate consumption.
- Pairing: Tabbouleh is a great side dish for grilled meats like lamb or chicken. It also works well as a topping for falafel or inside pita bread for a light and refreshing sandwich.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with variations of Tabbouleh, such as using quinoa instead of bulgur for a gluten-free option or adding diced avocado for creaminess.
- Double the Recipe: Tabbouleh tends to disappear quickly because it’s so delicious. If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there’s enough for everyone.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Tabbouleh salad that’s bursting with flavour and freshness. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Tabbouleh salad?
- Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad made primarily of finely chopped fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur wheat, dressed with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. It’s known for its refreshing and vibrant flavours.
2. Is Tabbouleh salad gluten-free?
- Tabbouleh salad is traditionally made with bulgur wheat, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting bulgur with quinoa or gluten-free couscous.
3. Can I make Tabbouleh salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients for Tabbouleh in advance and store them separately. Mix everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
4. How long does Tabbouleh salad last in the fridge?
- Tabbouleh salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. However, it’s best when served fresh.
5. Can I customize Tabbouleh salad with additional ingredients?
- Yes, Tabbouleh is versatile, and you can add extras like diced red onions, bell peppers, olives, or crumbled feta cheese to suit your taste.
6. Is Tabbouleh salad vegan?
- Tabbouleh salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a suitable choice for vegans and vegetarians.
7. What dishes can I pair with Tabbouleh salad?
- Tabbouleh makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats like lamb or chicken. It can also be served with falafel, inside pita bread, or alongside other Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and baba ganoush.
8. Can I adjust the seasoning in Tabbouleh salad?
- Absolutely! The amount of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Start with the recommended measurements and add more if needed.
9. How fine should I chop the ingredients for Tabbouleh salad?
- To achieve the traditional Tabbouleh texture and taste, it’s best to chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers finely. Smaller pieces distribute the flavours more evenly.
10. Can I make Tabbouleh salad without mint?
- While mint is a classic ingredient in Tabbouleh and adds a distinctive flavour, you can omit it if you don’t like mint or have allergies. The salad will still be delicious with the other ingredients.
These FAQs should help you better understand Tabbouleh salad and how to prepare and customize it to your liking. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Middle Eastern dish!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a standard serving (about 1 cup) of Tabbouleh salad:
- Calories: 120-150 calories
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 4-6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-300 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 15-30% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 10-15% DV
- Vitamin K: 100-150% DV
- Folate: 10-15% DV
- Potassium: 6-8% DV
- Iron: 6-8% DV
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredient proportions used. Tabbouleh is generally considered a healthy choice, as it’s low in calories, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. However, the nutritional content can change if you make substitutions or additions to the traditional recipe.
