Traditional Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
This refreshing Tabbouleh Salad is a vibrant staple of Lebanese cuisine, crafted from fresh flat-leaf parsley and other wholesome ingredients. It's a delightful dish that's perfect for summer gatherings or as an accompaniment to any meal. Originating from a cherished family tradition shared by a dear friend in 1996, this salad not only brings a burst of flavor but also respect for the ingredients - with finely chopped vegetables that harmonize beautifully. The generous addition of lemon juice and olive oil provides a zesty tang that complements the fresh herbs perfectly. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a refreshing main, this Tabbouleh will surely impress your family and friends with its bright flavors and vibrant colors.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flat leaf parsley
150 g (finely chopped (about 2 bunches))
Spring onions
6 (finely chopped (about 1 bunch))
Tomatoes
4 large (finely chopped)
Lemon juice
3 (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
5 tablespoons
Bulgur (bourghul)
1 cup
Boiled water
1 cup
Ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of boiled water with 1 cup of bulgur (bourghul). Stir gently to mix, then cover the bowl with a tea towel to trap in the steam. Allow it to sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed all the water and is tender.
2
While the bulgur is soaking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the parsley, spring onions, and tomatoes. Place them in a large salad bowl.
3
Once the bulgur has cooled, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Add the bulgur to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
4
Juice the fresh lemons and pour the juice over the salad mixture. Drizzle in the olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
5
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Information
2.2
Fat
6.5
Carbs
1
Protein
1.2
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing staple of Lebanese cuisine made primarily from finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur.
What are the main ingredients for Tabbouleh?
The main ingredients include flat-leaf parsley, spring onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and bulgur wheat.
How much parsley is needed for this recipe?
You will need 150 grams of flat-leaf parsley, which is approximately two bunches.
How do I prepare the bulgur for the salad?
Combine 1 cup of bulgur with 1 cup of boiled water, cover with a towel, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes until tender.
Can I use curly parsley instead of flat-leaf?
While you can, flat-leaf parsley is traditional and provides the intended flavor and texture for this Lebanese recipe.
How should the vegetables be chopped?
The parsley, spring onions, and tomatoes should all be very finely chopped to allow the flavors to harmonize.
What kind of onions are used in Tabbouleh?
This recipe uses 6 finely chopped spring onions.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large, finely chopped tomatoes.
What is the dressing for Tabbouleh?
The dressing consists of fresh lemon juice from 3 lemons, 5 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Is Tabbouleh salad vegan?
Yes, this traditional recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Is Tabbouleh gluten-free?
No, because it contains bulgur (bourghul), which is a wheat product.
How many calories are in a serving of this Tabbouleh?
There are approximately 50 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this salad?
The salad contains approximately 2.2 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this Tabbouleh?
Each serving contains about 1 gram of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 6.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
Each serving provides about 1.2 grams of fiber.
How long should I let the bulgur soak?
The bulgur should soak in boiled water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Should I refrigerate Tabbouleh before serving?
Yes, refrigerating for 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Tabbouleh can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the salt and pepper.
What is the water-to-bulgur ratio?
The ratio is 1:1, specifically 1 cup of boiled water to 1 cup of bulgur.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
How much salt is used?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of salt, though it can be adjusted to taste.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is this a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, Tabbouleh is a quintessential Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dish.
What is bourghul?
Bourghul is another name for bulgur, which is cracked wheat that has been parboiled.
When was this specific recipe tradition shared?
This version originates from a family tradition shared by a friend in 1996.
Why cover the bulgur with a tea towel?
The towel traps the steam, which helps the bulgur absorb the water and become tender.
What makes this salad a good summer dish?
Its high herb content and fresh lemon dressing make it exceptionally cooling and refreshing.