Refreshing Cranberry-Walnut Tabbouleh Salad
Elevate your gathering with this vibrant and nutritious Cranberry-Walnut Tabbouleh Salad, a delightful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. This recipe combines the wholesome flavor of bulgur wheat with the delightful tartness of dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and fragrant fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a colorful addition to any table. Packed with nutrients, it's not only delicious but also a refreshing option for health-conscious eaters. Together, the ingredients create a symphony of textures and flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bulgur wheat
1 cup (uncooked)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped)
Boiling water
1 cup (none)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Red onion
1/4 cup (minced)
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
Walnuts
2 tablespoons (chopped and toasted)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Walnut oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (or substitute with olive oil)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the bulgur wheat and chopped dried cranberries.
2
Pour in 1 cup of boiling water over the bulgur mixture. Stir gently.
3
Cover the bowl and let it stand for approximately 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
4
Once the bulgur has softened, use a fork to fluff the mixture, breaking apart any clumps.
5
Add the finely chopped parsley, minced red onion, and fresh mint to the bulgur mixture.
6
Drizzle in the fresh lemon juice and walnut oil (or olive oil).
7
Mix in the toasted walnuts, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
8
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley or walnuts, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Cranberry-Walnut Tabbouleh Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish, combining bulgur wheat with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs.
Is this Cranberry-Walnut Tabbouleh Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What can I use as a substitute for walnut oil?
You can easily substitute walnut oil with olive oil if preferred or if walnut oil is unavailable.
How do I prepare the bulgur wheat for this salad?
Combine the bulgur with chopped dried cranberries and pour 1 cup of boiling water over it, then let it stand for 30 minutes until tender.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, bulgur wheat contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you could substitute the bulgur with quinoa.
Should the walnuts be raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for walnuts that are chopped and toasted for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad holds up well and can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of minced red onion.
What herbs are required for this tabbouleh?
You will need fresh parsley and fresh mint.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Does the bulgur wheat need to be cooked on the stove?
No, it only needs to soak in boiling water for about 30 minutes in a covered bowl.
Is this a healthy side dish option?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from whole grains, nuts, and fresh herbs, making it a healthy choice.
What provides the tartness in this recipe?
The tartness comes from both the dried cranberries and the fresh lemon juice.
How do I fluff the bulgur wheat?
Once the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender, use a fork to fluff the mixture and break apart any clumps.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
While fresh mint is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried mint in a smaller quantity if necessary.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, adjusted to taste.
Is this salad suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it fits perfectly within a Mediterranean diet as it emphasizes whole grains, nuts, and healthy oils.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The fresh parsley should be finely chopped before adding it to the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can easily add diced cucumbers or tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How should I serve the salad?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley or walnuts if desired.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
Expect a symphony of textures, from the chewy bulgur and cranberries to the crunchy toasted walnuts.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Yes, pecans or slivered almonds would also work well in this recipe.
Is there any sugar added to the recipe?
No extra sugar is added; the sweetness comes naturally from the dried cranberries.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
How much dried cranberries are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a salad and a side dish.
Is the boiling water added to the bulgur alone?
No, the boiling water is poured over a mixture of bulgur wheat and chopped dried cranberries.
Can I use this as a main course?
Yes, it works well as a light main course, especially if you add a protein like chickpeas.