Authentic Lebanese Tabouleh Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup fine bulgur wheat
1 1/2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
1 cucumber, finely diced
4 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps and instructions

Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for about 20 minutes, until it softens.
While the bulgur is soaking, prepare the herbs and vegetables. Rinse the parsley and mint leaves, then chop finely. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
Drain the bulgur wheat thoroughly, squeezing out any excess water. Transfer it to a large salad bowl.
Add the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions to the bowl with the bulgur wheat.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Give the salad one more toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy your homemade Tabouleh!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and combine the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the herbs and vegetables.
Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board to chop the herbs and vegetables on.
Whisk - A whisk to combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Salad Bowl - A large bowl to serve the Tabouleh salad.
Measuring Cup - A measuring cup to accurately measure the bulgur wheat, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Spoon or Fork - A spoon or fork to toss the salad and combine all the ingredients.
Refrigerator - A refrigerator to chill the Tabouleh salad for at least one hour before serving.

Recipe variations

Add diced bell peppers or chopped olives for additional flavor and texture.
Include a finely chopped red onion for a stronger onion flavor.
Replace bulgur wheat with quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free alternative.
For a heartier version, add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or dill.
Add a sprinkle of sumac or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Try substituting lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly tangy twist.
For a refreshing twist, add diced avocado or pomegranate seeds.
Replace olive oil with a flavored oil like garlic-infused olive oil.
For a vegan option, omit the green onions and use a vegan-friendly dressing.

Recipe overview

Tabouleh is a refreshing and healthy Middle Eastern salad that is packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. This dish is often enjoyed as a part of a mezze spread or as a side dish, but it can also be a light meal on its own. The bulgur wheat gives it a satisfying chewiness, while the fresh mint, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions provide a burst of freshness. The dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, ties all the flavors together beautifully. This recipe is simple to prepare, but it does require some chopping. After combining all the ingredients, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for an hour before serving – this will allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy this classic Middle Eastern dish that's not only delicious, but also nutritious!

Common questions

Can I use quinoa instead of bulgur wheat? Yes, you can substitute quinoa for bulgur wheat if you prefer. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and allow it to cool before adding it to the salad.
Can I make Tabouleh in advance? Absolutely! Tabouleh tastes even better when it has time to marinate in the fridge. You can make it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Is Tabouleh gluten-free? Traditionally, Tabouleh is made with bulgur wheat, which contains gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using quinoa instead of bulgur wheat.
Can I add other vegetables to the Tabouleh? Yes, you can add other vegetables to customize your Tabouleh. Some popular additions include diced bell peppers, radishes, or even cooked chickpeas. Feel free to experiment!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Fresh herbs are preferred for their vibrant flavor, but if you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Just remember to adjust the quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I adjust the amount of lemon juice or olive oil? Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste preferences. Start with the given measurements and add more if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to combine the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Salad Servers - Utensils specifically designed for serving salads.
Chopping Board - A sturdy surface to chop the herbs and vegetables.
Sharp Knife - Essential for finely chopping the herbs and vegetables.
Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the bulgur wheat and other ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Needed to measure the salt, pepper, and other spices.
Citrus Juicer - Useful for extracting juice from lemons.
Refrigerator - To chill the tabouleh before serving.

Origin stories

Tabouleh, a vibrant and refreshing salad, hails from the mountainous regions of Syria and Lebanon. It was originally a part of the Middle Eastern mezze, a selection of small dishes served to whet the appetite before the main meal. The key to a great tabouleh lies in its freshness: the parsley, mint, and vegetables need to be crisp, and the bulgur wheat soft and fluffy. Over the years, tabouleh has traveled far and wide, making its way into kitchens and onto dining tables around the globe. It is a testament to the allure of simple, fresh ingredients combined with love and care, a staple that conjures images of sun-soaked landscapes and the warm hospitality of the Middle East.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.