Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad traditionally made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, bulgur (cracked wheat) lemon juice and olive oil. Like the spelling of Tabbouleh or Taboule, or Tabouli, the variations are endless. Traditional Lebanese and Israeli versions are focused squarely on the herbs, and the bulgur is meant only to be a garnish.
My version adheres to the general principles of good tabbouleh, but like my personality I rarely follow the rules. However, there is a cardinal rule in Tabbouleh which cannot be broken no matter what part of the world you prepare and enjoy this salad. The ingredients must absolutely be FRESH.
Let’s start with the parsley. You are going to need a lot. Mint? You will need quite a bit too. Oh yeah, I use a lot of bulgur too, and chopped cucumbers, so get ready to break the rules. No matter how you prepare this salad, its refreshing, healthy and delicious. You can serve it as vegetarian entree or simply as a side dish.
Tabbouleh Summer Salad
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
2 cups bulgur (cracked wheat), pre-soaked.
3 cups parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 white onion, or 3 scallions, finely chopped
1 large cucumber, seeded and finely chopped
3 medium ripe (firm) tomatoes, seeded, and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions:
Pre-soak bulgur: Place 1 cup bulgur in a bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over bulgur and let stand for an hour ( Yields: 2 cups of bulgur)
In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together, except for the lemon juice and olive oil. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
Add lemon juice and olive oil. Gently blend again. Cover and chill for at least hour to allow the flavors to develop.
SaveSave
Julie
This salad is so beautiful! It just scream freshness!
Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon
I have had tabbouleh at my favorite middle eastern restaurant and it is so good. And, you are correct, it must be fresh. No subbing and no cheating. 🙂
Angie's Recipes
So fresh, beautifully green and delicious…exactly what I would love for the lunch.
Big Dude
I've never eaten Tabbouleh but it sure looks very good.
grace
i like tabbouleh a lot and i LOVE your version! i concur that everything must be super fresh!
Tina
It has to be years since I've had tabbouleh. I must correct that because your salad is just what this weather calls for. Absolutely fresh ingredients, a must!
Mae Travels
I'm putting bulgar wheat on my list — this is definitely the right season for tabbouleh.best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
That Girl
I break tabbouleh rules all the time. Mostly because it's a little parsley heavy for me.
Zoe
I love tabbouleh and love how you made yours with such beautiful colours 🙂
Cheri Savory Spoon
Your tabbouleh cooks perfect Velva, love that you used all fresh ingredients. Beautiful dish!
Southerncook
Hi Velva and thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such sweet comments.I absolutely love Tabbouleh, I had a Lebanese friend who made it for me all the time. She no longer lives here and you were right about the traditional Lebanese way of preparing this. I really like the way your recipe sounds and look forward to making it. Have made my copy.Carolyn
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
When my cucumbers start coming in I have to try this! Pinning to my salad board 🙂
Rocky Mountain Woman
I am all over this one. A friend gave me some lovely cucumbers and I can't think of a better way to use them.
Jacque Ojadidi
Thanks for share this article Free Earrings
Karen (Back Road Journal)
The proportions on your salad look good to me and I like that you have mint as well. I've had it where all you can taste is parsley…not my favorite.
chow and chatter
looks wonderful my son loves this
Marcelle
Looks delicious and so pretty, Velva!
Linda
It looks delicious! And you have a lovely name and blog. 🙂
Linda
It looks delicious! And you have a lovely name and blog. 🙂
Kim Burrell
I'm so going to try your recipe next time I make this. ☺️ #yumola