Herbed Tabouli Salad
Herbed Tabouli Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern dish that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This healthful salad features finely chopped parsley complemented by juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and aromatic mint, all tossed with fluffy bulgur wheat. Dressed with a zesty mixture of olive oil and lemon juice, it perfectly balances the earthiness of the bulgur with the brightness of the herbs. Ideal as a side for grilled meats, a filling lunch, or a vibrant snack, this salad is not only easy to make but also a feast for the senses. Adjust the ingredients to your taste for a personalized touch, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh parsley
2 bunches (finely chopped)
tomatoes
1/2-3/4 (diced)
onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
bulgur wheat
1/3 cup (soaked and drained)
olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (extra virgin)
lemon juice
1/8-1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
mint
1/2-1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
sumac
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water and then place it in a small bowl. Pour in 1/2 to 1 cup of very hot water, ensuring the bulgur is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
2
Once the bulgur has softened, drain off any excess water if necessary. Gently squeeze the bulgur to remove any remaining moisture, ensuring a light texture in the salad.
3
Finely mince the parsley, tomatoes, and onions to release their flavors and textures, as this step is crucial for the overall taste of the salad.
4
In a medium-sized serving bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, minced parsley, tomatoes, and onions. Stir gently to mix.
5
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, dried or fresh mint, sumac, and salt to the bowl. Toss the ingredients together until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed.
6
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as desired. If it feels a bit dry, add more lemon juice or a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
8
Serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious Herbed Tabouli Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Tabouli Salad?
Herbed Tabouli Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern dish featuring finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and mint mixed with fluffy bulgur wheat and a zesty dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, sumac, and salt.
How do I prepare the bulgur wheat?
Rinse the bulgur under cold water, then soak it in 1/2 to 1 cup of very hot water for 10-15 minutes until tender and the water is absorbed.
Why do I need to squeeze the bulgur wheat?
Gently squeezing the soaked bulgur removes any remaining excess moisture, which helps ensure the salad has a light and fluffy texture.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for two bunches of fresh parsley, which should be finely chopped to release its flavor.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried mint or fresh mint depending on your preference.
What is sumac and is it necessary?
Sumac is a ground spice used in Middle Eastern cooking that adds a tangy, lemony flavor. This recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of ground sumac.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
How much lemon juice should I add?
You should use between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjusted to your taste.
Is Herbed Tabouli Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop properly.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is best served chilled.
What can I do if the salad feels too dry?
If the salad feels dry, you can add more lemon juice or a small splash of water to reach your preferred consistency.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of earthy bulgur, bright herbs, and a zesty, tangy dressing from the lemon juice and sumac.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely. You are encouraged to taste the salad and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or spices to your personal preference.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a tomato, diced finely.
What makes this salad healthy?
It is healthy because it uses fresh vegetables, fiber-rich bulgur wheat, and heart-healthy olive oil.
What should the texture of the vegetables be?
The parsley, tomatoes, and onions should be finely minced or diced to ensure they mix well with the bulgur.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While often served as a side for grilled meats, it can also be a filling lunch or a vibrant snack.
Is the bulgur wheat cooked on the stove?
No, it is simply soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes until it becomes tender.
How much bulgur wheat is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of bulgur wheat.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste to enhance the other flavors in the salad.
Is Tabouli a Middle Eastern dish?
Yes, Tabouli is a classic Middle Eastern dish known for its fresh and herbal characteristics.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to rinse and soak the bulgur wheat in hot water.
How do I store leftovers?
You should cover the bowl and keep it in the refrigerator.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What is the importance of the 1-hour refrigeration period?
Refrigeration allows the juices from the vegetables and the dressing to penetrate the bulgur and meld together.
Is this salad spicy?
No, this salad is not spicy; it is characterized by fresh, zesty, and tangy flavors.
What is the role of the mint in this recipe?
Mint provides an aromatic quality that complements the parsley and adds a cooling brightness to the salad.