Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad
Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Bursting with the flavors of fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lemon, this salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Made with fine bulgur wheat, a fiber-rich grain, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a fulfilling snack. Packed with Vitamin C from the parsley and healthy fats from the olive oil, this wholesome dish is loved worldwide and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare, this salad is a staple at gatherings and family dinners, providing a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fine Bulgur Wheat
1/2 cup (Rinsed and soaked)
Large Ripe Tomatoes
2-3 (Diced)
Fresh Parsley
4 bunches (Chopped)
Green Onions
1 bunch (Chopped)
Fresh Mint
1/2 bunch or 3 tablespoons (Chopped or crumbled if dried)
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup (N/A)
Fresh Lemons
3 (Juice only)
Salt
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the fine bulgur wheat under cold water until the water runs clear. Then soak it in a bowl of cold water for approximately 30 minutes until soft.
2
Once softened, drain the bulgur thoroughly, pressing gently to remove excess moisture. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
Add the juice of one lemon to the bulgur, mixing thoroughly to ensure each grain is coated. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to absorb the lemon juice.
4
While the bulgur is resting, prepare the vegetables: dice the ripe tomatoes, chop the parsley, finely slice the green onions, and mince the fresh mint or crumble the dried mint.
5
After the bulgur has rested, fold in the diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, green onions, and mint. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the juice of two additional lemons, salt, and black pepper (if using). Pour the dressing over the tabbouleh and mix well to evenly distribute.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if desired. Serve the tabbouleh chilled or at room temperature over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad?
Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern dish made with fine bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include fine bulgur wheat, large ripe tomatoes, fresh parsley, green onions, fresh mint, olive oil, and fresh lemons.
How do I prepare the bulgur wheat?
Rinse the fine bulgur under cold water until clear, then soak it in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes until soft.
How long should the bulgur wheat soak?
The bulgur should soak for approximately 30 minutes.
Do I need to cook the bulgur wheat?
No, the bulgur wheat is softened through soaking rather than boiling.
Is this Tabbouleh salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish.
Is Tabbouleh gluten-free?
Traditional tabbouleh contains bulgur, which is wheat-based; for a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute the bulgur with a grain like quinoa.
How much parsley is needed for this salad?
The recipe calls for 4 bunches of fresh parsley, which provides the salad's signature herbaceous flavor.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of dried mint as a substitute for 1/2 bunch of fresh mint.
How many lemons are required for the dressing?
A total of three lemons are used: the juice of one for the bulgur and the juice of two for the dressing.
What type of oil is recommended?
Olive oil is recommended for the best flavor, though vegetable oil can be used as an alternative.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use 2 to 3 large ripe tomatoes and dice them into small pieces.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the bulgur early?
Adding lemon juice to the bulgur while it rests for 15 minutes allows the grains to absorb the citrus flavor directly.
How do I ensure the salad isn't too watery?
After soaking the bulgur, drain it thoroughly and press gently to remove all excess moisture.
How should I serve Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature, often presented over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is highly nutritious, fiber-rich, and packed with Vitamin C from the fresh parsley.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe requires one bunch of finely sliced green onions.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, preparing it in advance allows the flavors of the herbs and dressing to meld together beautifully.
What kind of texture does the salad have?
It offers a perfect balance of soft, soaked grains and crisp, fresh vegetables.
What seasonings are used in the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and optional black pepper.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Is this salad suitable for a side dish?
Absolutely, it is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch.
What makes this salad 'herbaceous'?
The heavy use of four bunches of parsley and a half bunch of mint gives it a very fresh, herb-forward profile.
Can I add black pepper?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is suggested as an optional addition to the dressing.
How should the parsley be chopped?
The parsley should be finely chopped to integrate well with the bulgur and other vegetables.
What size bulgur wheat should I buy?
This recipe specifically calls for 'fine' bulgur wheat for the correct texture.
Is this dish popular in specific cuisines?
Tabbouleh is a staple dish in Middle Eastern cuisine and is loved worldwide.
How do I finish the salad before serving?
After mixing in the dressing, taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if desired.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 9 ingredients used in this Herbaceous Tabbouleh Salad recipe.