Refreshing Tabbouli Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Tabbouli is a fresh and vibrant Middle Eastern salad packed with herbs, vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing. This delicious dish is perfect as a light side or a healthy snack, bringing bright flavors and a refreshing crunch to your table.

Ingredients

• 12 pieces cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fine bulgur
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 stems scallions, finely chopped
• 1 medium cucumber, chopped into small cubes
• 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and cored
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour a cup of boiling water into the bulgur, cover, and set aside for fifteen minutes to allow it to soften.
2. Step 2: Chop the cherry tomatoes and place them on a strainer to drain for a few minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the seeds and core from the green bell pepper, then chop it into tiny cubes.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bell pepper, chopped cucumber, parsley, mint, scallions, cooked bulgur, and drained tomatoes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then mix everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Taste and season with salt. Add more lemon juice or olive oil according to your preference.
7. Step 7: Transfer your tabbouli into plates and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the bulgur before soaking.
• Adjust the amount of mint and parsley to your liking for a stronger herbal taste.
• Add chopped garlic or a pinch of ground cumin for extra depth.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

Storage

Store tabbouli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, as the bulgur can absorb liquid and change texture over time. Before serving leftovers, stir and add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil if needed to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use coarse bulgur instead of fine bulgur?

Fine bulgur is preferred for tabbouli because it softens quickly and gives the salad a light texture. If using coarse bulgur, soak it longer or briefly cook it before combining with the other ingredients.

Is tabbouli gluten-free?

Traditional tabbouli contains bulgur, which is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute bulgur with quinoa or finely chopped cauliflower.

Refreshing Tabbouli Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe

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4.8 from 122 reviews

Tabbouli is a refreshing, light Middle Eastern salad made with finely chopped fresh herbs, bulgur soaked in hot water, and fresh vegetables. It’s flavored with lemon juice and olive oil, making it a perfect healthy side dish or light meal that’s vibrant and full of zesty, herbal flavors.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Herbs

• 12 pieces cherry tomatoes
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 stems scallions, finely chopped
• 1 medium cucumber, chopped into small cubes
• 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded, cored, and chopped into tiny cubes

Grains & Liquids

• 1/2 cup fine bulgur
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Soak the Bulgur: Pour a cup of boiling water over the fine bulgur in a bowl, cover it, and let it soak for fifteen minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and softens.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Chop the cherry tomatoes and place them in a strainer to drain out excess water for a few minutes to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
3. Chop the Bell Pepper: Remove the seeds and core from the green bell pepper, then chop it into tiny cubes to match the texture of the other veggies.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bell pepper, chopped cucumber, finely chopped parsley, mint, scallions, soaked bulgur, and drained tomatoes.
5. Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice over the mixed ingredients. Mix everything evenly to combine all the flavors.
6. Adjust Flavor and Serve: Taste the salad and season with salt. Add extra lemon juice or olive oil if desired for more acidity or richness. Transfer your tabbouli into serving plates and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use fine bulgur for proper texture; coarse bulgur will not absorb water as easily.
• Draining the tomatoes prevents the salad from getting too watery.
• Fresh herbs are key to authentic flavor; don’t substitute dried herbs.
• Tabbouli is best served chilled or at room temperature.
• Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to your taste preference for acidity and richness.
• Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best fresh.

Keywords: Tabbouli, Tabbouli, Middle Eastern Salad, Bulgur Salad, Parsley Salad, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian Salad