Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and full of zesty flavor—Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad is a true celebration of everything we love about Mediterranean cuisine. It’s bright and herbaceous, packed with crunchy vegetables, and dressed in a tangy lemony dressing that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, something to lighten up your meal, or just want to bring a little taste of Lebanon to your table, this tabbouleh has you covered. With parsley as the star of the show, the mix of mint, tomatoes, and bulgur creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

This salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a burst of flavor and color that will brighten up any meal. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

Fresh & Light: The combination of crisp veggies and fresh herbs makes this salad feel light and refreshing, but it’s still packed with flavor.
Healthy & Nutritious: With lots of fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy grains, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for grilled meats or falafel. It’s a great addition to almost any meal.
Quick & Easy: With just a little chopping and a simple dressing, this tabbouleh comes together in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those dishes that everyone will love, whether they’re familiar with Lebanese cuisine or not. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and absolutely tasty!

Ingredients in Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need to make this classic, vibrant salad:

Parsley: The heart of tabbouleh! Fresh, flat-leaf parsley brings an aromatic brightness to the dish.
Bulgur Wheat: This tiny grain provides a nice chew and a nutty flavor that balances the fresh veggies.
Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes bring color and sweetness to the salad.
Cucumbers: A cool, crisp addition that adds refreshing crunch.
Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness that complements the herbs and vegetables.
Fresh Mint: A little mint goes a long way in bringing that signature Mediterranean flavor to the salad.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the salad a zesty tang and brings all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: The perfect base for the dressing, adding richness to balance the acidity.
Salt & Pepper: To season the salad and enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get your salad on? Let’s walk through the steps to make this tasty tabbouleh!

Prepare the Bulgur:

Start by soaking the bulgur in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s softened. Drain any excess water and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

Chop the Veggies:

While the bulgur is soaking, chop your tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs. Make sure everything is finely chopped for that perfect tabbouleh texture.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will bring everything together and give the salad a bright, tangy kick.

Combine the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the bulgur, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve:

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

How to Serve Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

This tabbouleh is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of meals. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, falafel, or kebabs for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• In a Wrap: Roll it up in pita bread with hummus, grilled veggies, or chicken for a quick and healthy lunch.
• As a Light Meal: Serve it as a main dish with some crusty bread for a refreshing, light lunch or dinner.
• Topped with Feta: Add some crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra creamy, tangy flavor that complements the herbs.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: This salad actually gets better after a few hours of resting. Make it in advance and let it chill in the fridge for the flavors to develop.
• Customize the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of mint, you can swap it for more parsley, or add a little dill for a unique twist.
• Extra Crunch: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like pine nuts or almonds, for an added texture and richness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing if you like a little heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use couscous instead of bulgur?
A1: Yes, couscous is a great substitute if you don’t have bulgur. It will have a slightly different texture, but it’ll still work wonderfully in this salad.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! In fact, this salad gets even better after sitting for a couple of hours as the flavors meld together. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q3: How long will leftover tabbouleh last?
A3: Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

Q4: Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
A4: Fresh mint is best for this recipe, but if you must use dried mint, use about 1/3 of the amount called for with fresh mint.

Q5: How can I make this salad spicier?
A5: Add a chopped green chili or some red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the tabbouleh?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even radishes for an extra pop of color and crunch.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, simply substitute the bulgur with quinoa for a gluten-free version. It will still have the same delicious fresh flavors.

Q8: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A8: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but if you don’t have a fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Q9: Can I add avocado to this salad?
A9: Absolutely! Adding some diced avocado would give the salad a creamy texture and extra richness.

Q10: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A10: To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain the bulgur thoroughly after soaking, and store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad is a refreshing, vibrant, and simple dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables, herbs, and grains. It’s a delightful addition to any meal and perfect for those who love light, healthy, and flavorful dishes. So whether you’re preparing it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this tabbouleh will not disappoint. Fresh, zesty, and delicious—what’s not to love?

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