Tabouli Salad Recipe 

This easy Tabouli Salad Recipe is packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, making it the perfect light and nutritious salad. Try it out for a delicious and refreshing meal!

Tabouli salad (tabbouleh salad) is a culinary gem celebrated for its vibrant flavors and healthy qualities. The combination of fresh parsley and mint provides a bright, herbaceous taste that perfectly complements the juicy sweetness of tomatoes. The bulgur wheat adds a subtle, nutty flavor and a nice texture, while the green onions offer a mild, sharp bite. The dressing, a simple mix of lemon juice and olive oil, ties all these elements together with a tangy and smooth finish. Every bite of Tabouli is a delightful explosion of fresh, balanced flavors that is both satisfying and tasty. 

Let's make this delicious treat at home! 

Video tutorial

Ingredients

• Bulgur. Bulgur is parboiled cracked wheat. I often see people confuse it with couscous, but they’re not the same (couscous is tiny pasta). Authentic tabouli salad is made with fine bulgur (grain #1) and it’s soaked rather than cooked. But I find that medium-grain bulgur gives better texture, so that's what I recommend to use. Whichever grain of bulgur you choose to cook (or soak), it's best to follow the package instructions.
• Herbs. Parsley, scallions, and mint. (Other great herbs to add are cilantro and dill).
• Tomatoes. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used.
• Dressing. Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

How to make Tabouli Salad

1. Cook the bulgur according to the package instructions. (Fine grind bulgur needs to be steeped and coarse needs to be cooked for 10 minutes). Allow the bulgur to cool and set aside.

2. To a large bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk well. 

3. To the same bowl add the cooled bulgur, tomatoes, scallions, parsley, and mint. Toss everything well and serve. 

Helpful tips and tricks

• Use fresh ingredients. Opt for flat-leaf parsley over curly parsley for a more robust flavor. Fresh mint leaves are no match for dried mint in this recipe. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Finely chop ingredients. Chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions finely with a sharp knife. This ensures that the flavors blend well and the salad has a uniform texture. 
• Properly prepare bulgur wheat. Depending on the kind of bulgur used, cook (or soak it) according to the package instructions, so you don't end up using undercooked or overcooked bulgur. Use the correct amount of water, so you don't have to drain the excess water.
• Seasoning. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, and balance it with good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Adjust the quantity to your taste, but a good starting point is equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. Salt and pepper are essential. Taste and adjust as you mix the salad to ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Recipe variations

• Make it gluten-free. Substitute bulgur with quinoa to make the GF option of this salad. 
• Add more veggies. Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or pomegranate to this salad. 
• Seasonings. Add a pinch of allspice, cumin powder, or coriander powder for additional flavor.
• Add a crunch! Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pine nuts. 
• Add feta. Sprinkle some feta cheese on top. It makes a great addition.

How to store it

Transfer the leftover Tabouli salad to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. Keep refrigerated for up to two days. 

Separate ingredients for longer storage

If you need to prepare Tabouli in advance but want to keep it fresh for more than 2 days, consider storing the chopped vegetables and herbs separately from the bulgur wheat and dressing. Combine them just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and texture.

How to serve this salad

Tabouli salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving it:

1. As a side dish. Serve Tabouli as a fresh and zesty side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or kebabs. Try my Chicken Kebabs, Crispy Fried Shrimp, or Baked Cod.
2. Mix in some proteins. Mix in some cooked shrimp or chicken to turn it into a filling and healthy lunch.
3. With bread. Serve Tabouli with warm crusty bread, pita bread, or pita chips for scooping. This is a great way to enjoy it as a snack or appetizer. Especially with some hummus on the side!

Tabouli salad is a wonderful example of how food can be both delicious and nutritious. Its vibrant flavors and health benefits make it a perfect addition to any meal, whether as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a larger feast. Enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of Tabouli and feel good knowing that you're nourishing your body with wholesome, natural ingredients.

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or drop an email. The printable recipe and nutrition information are in the recipe card below.