Tabouli salad
Tabouli salad is a refreshing Middle Eastern dish made with bulgur, fresh herbs, and vegetables, dressed with lemon and olive oil. It's bright and flavorful, perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup bulgur1 bunch fresh parsley
1/2 cup spearmint
1 cup scallions
2 tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon
1 tsp ground cumin
Tabouli salad, a classic Middle Eastern dish, is a refreshing and vibrant meal that is packed with fresh herbs and vegetables. This simple yet flavorful recipe features the nutty taste of bulgur combined with the zesty accents of lemon and spearmint, making it a perfect dish for warm weather or as a side to complement any meal.
Instructions:
- Place 1 cup of bulgur in a large bowl.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the bulgur.
- Let it sit for around 20-30 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes tender. Fluff with a fork. Note: You can drain any excess water if necessary.
- Chop the parsley and spearmint finely. Discard any large stems you encounter.
- Thinly slice the scallions, using both the white and green parts.
- Dice the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Once the bulgur has cooled to room temperature, add the chopped parsley, spearmint, scallions, and tomatoes to the bowl.
- If you prefer a finer texture, you can give the mixture a rough chop with a large knife at this point.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp of olive oil, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp of ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
5. Combine Everything:
- Pour the dressing over the bulgur and vegetable mixture.
- Toss everything together gently to ensure the bulgur and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and give the salad one final toss.
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended.
- Serve the Tabouli salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Making Tabouli salad is an enjoyable and easy process that results in a light, nutritious, and flavorful dish. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh and zesty taste. Enjoy your homemade Tabouli salad as a healthy addition to any meal!
Tabouli salad FAQ:
Bulgur needs to soak in boiling water for about 20-30 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes tender. If there's excess water after soaking, you can drain it.
If you don’t have bulgur, you can substitute it with quinoa, couscous, or even finely chopped cauliflower for a lower-carb option. However, note that cooking times and water ratios may vary.
Store leftover tabouli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
If your tabouli salad seems dry, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice to moisten it. Toss the salad gently to combine.
Yes, you can prepare tabouli salad ahead of time. It's best to let it sit for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
Tips:
- For a quicker preparation, you can soak the bulgur in hot water for about 20 minutes instead of cooking it.
- Make sure to finely chop all herbs and vegetables to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
- Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 110kcal
Protein 4.08g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 4.66g
Sugar 2.27g
Fat 5g
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