Mediterranean Delight Tabbouli Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Tabbouli Salad, inspired by a cherished recipe from Nancy Mehagian's renowned vegetarian restaurant on the beautiful island of Ibiza. This refreshing dish showcases the perfect balance of fresh herbs, garden-ripe tomatoes, and earthy bulgur, highlighted by the umami richness of tamari soy sauce. The salad is not only quick to prepare, thanks to the fine bulgur, but is also a nutrient-packed option perfect for warm weather gatherings or light meals. Serve chilled for a truly refreshing experience that will leave your guests craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fine bulgur
2 cups (Fine bulgur (#1 grind))
Boiling water
2 cups (For soaking bulgur)
Green onion
1 bunch (Sliced finely)
Medium onion
1 medium (Chopped finely)
Parsley
1 bunch (Stems removed, chopped finely)
Fresh mint leaves
1 bunch (Chopped finely)
Tomatoes
2 large or 2 cups (Chopped or quartered if using cherry tomatoes)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (For dressing)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (For dressing)
Lemons
2 (Juiced)
Tamari soy sauce
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Salt and pepper
To taste
Cayenne pepper
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine bulgur with the boiling water, ensuring the bulgur is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the grains have absorbed the water and softened.
2
Once the bulgur is fluffy, use a wooden spoon to gently break apart any clumps, then add the finely sliced green onions, chopped medium onion, parsley, mint, and tomatoes into the bowl.
3
Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, the juice of two lemons, and the tamari soy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat if desired.
4
Toss all the ingredients together until evenly mixed, ensuring that the bulgur and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Before serving, toss the salad again to ensure it is evenly mixed, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Tabbouli Salad?
It is a refreshing Mediterranean dish featuring fine bulgur, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and garden-ripe tomatoes, highlighted by tamari soy sauce.
Who is the inspiration behind this Tabbouli recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Nancy Mehagian and her renowned vegetarian restaurant located on the island of Ibiza.
What type of bulgur is required for this salad?
You should use fine bulgur, specifically a #1 grind, for the best texture and quick preparation.
How do you prepare the fine bulgur for this recipe?
Combine 2 cups of fine bulgur with 2 cups of boiling water, ensuring it is submerged, and let it stand covered for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.
What should I do if the bulgur clumps after soaking?
Once the bulgur is fluffy, use a wooden spoon to gently break apart any clumps before adding other ingredients.
Which fresh herbs are included in the Mediterranean Delight Tabbouli?
The recipe calls for one bunch of parsley with stems removed and one bunch of fresh mint leaves, both finely chopped.
What kind of onions are used in this Tabbouli?
The recipe uses one bunch of finely sliced green onions and one medium onion that has been finely chopped.
How many tomatoes are needed for the salad?
You will need two large tomatoes or two cups of tomatoes, which can be chopped or quartered if using cherry tomatoes.
Is this Tabbouli salad vegan?
Yes, the salad is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like grains, vegetables, herbs, and oils.
What ingredients make up the dressing for this salad?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice from two lemons, and tamari soy sauce.
Why is tamari soy sauce included in the recipe?
Tamari soy sauce is added to provide an earthy, umami richness that balances the fresh flavors of the salad.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat if desired.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What should be done immediately before serving the salad?
You should toss the salad again to ensure it is evenly mixed and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
What is the primary source of acidity in the dressing?
The acidity comes from a combination of 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and the juice of two fresh lemons.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a nutrient-packed dish that is both healthy and refreshing, making it perfect for light meals.
How much olive oil is used in the Mediterranean Delight Tabbouli?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
What is the recommended way to serve this Tabbouli?
It is best served chilled, making it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use two cups of cherry tomatoes, quartered, as an alternative to large chopped tomatoes.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the Tabbouli dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much tamari soy sauce is used for seasoning?
You should use one tablespoon of tamari soy sauce to season the salad.
Is the bulgur cooked on the stovetop?
No, the fine bulgur is prepared by soaking it in boiling water in a mixing bowl rather than boiling it on a stove.
How much water is needed to soak the bulgur?
You need 2 cups of boiling water for 2 cups of fine bulgur to ensure it is fully submerged.
What category of dish is this Tabbouli?
It is categorized as a Mediterranean salad, side dish, and bulgur salad.
Are the stems of the parsley used in the recipe?
No, the instructions specify that the parsley stems should be removed before chopping the leaves finely.
What are the main seasonings used in this salad?
The main seasonings are salt, pepper, tamari soy sauce, and an optional dash of cayenne pepper.
How many lemons are required for the salad juice?
You will need the juice of two lemons for this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it is explicitly described as a vegetarian-friendly dish inspired by a cherished vegetarian restaurant recipe.
How many ingredients are listed in the Mediterranean Delight Tabbouli Salad?
There are 13 ingredients listed in the recipe, including the optional cayenne pepper.
What makes this recipe quick to prepare?
Using fine bulgur allows the grains to soften in just 5 to 10 minutes by soaking, which makes the overall preparation very fast.