Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (2024)

Published June 17, 2022.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This delicious refreshing Tabbouleh salad recipe is loaded up with parsley, bulgur wheat, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber for the ultimate light side dish. The flavors in this salad are nothing short of amazing.

If you are looking to explore some new and interesting flavors, then this salad would go excellent served up alongside Kofta or Kibbeh.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (1)

Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern dish of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and mint, and is commonly served as an appetizer on Romaine hearts. It comes from the Arabic word “taabil” which means to season or spice. This centuries-old salad can be served as is or as a side dish to other Mediterranean-style meals.

When making this salad, know that it is much more of a parsley salad than it is a grain salad but you can add more bulgur to the recipe. It has subtle earthy flavors that are brightened up with acid and herbs.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Bulgur – Use fine #1 bulgur wheat for this recipe.
  • Parsley – I like to use Italian flat leaf, but you can use curly parsley if you’d like. Be sure to rinse it and dry it well.
  • Mint – Fresh mint will add a great refreshing flavor to this tabbouleh salad.
  • Tomatoes – I prefer to use Roma tomatoes for this recipe.
  • Cucumbers – Persian cucumbers are firmer and have less liquid and are perfect for this dish.
  • Onions – Green onions are classically used in this recipe.
  • Oil – A good extra virgin olive oil will add some great flavors to this.
  • Lemon – You will need lemon juice in this to help preserve flavors and colors, as well as provide some much-needed acid to this recipe.
Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (2)

How to Make Tabbouleh Salad from Scratch

Use these simple-to-prepare instructions to make this tabbouleh salad from scratch.

Add the bulgur wheat to a medium-size bowl and stir in enough lukewarm water to completely cover it. Set aside for 20 to 25 minutes to soften it.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (3)

In the meantime, prepare all the vegetables and herbs for it and add them to a large bowl.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (4)

Drain the bulgur through a chinois or cheesecloth and press down to remove as much liquid as possible.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (5)

Add the bulgur to the bowl with the vegetables and add in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and mix to combine.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (6)

Serve or keep cool.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (7)

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make this tabbouleh salad up to 1 day ahead of time.

How to Store: Cover and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (8)

Chef Notes + Tips

  • You can use any tomato in this recipe.
  • Feel free to use an English or American slicing (burpee) cucumber, however, be sure to remove the seeds.
  • Use a majority of the parsley stems.

More Salad Recipes

  • Cucumber Salad
  • Tuna Salad
  • Mandarin Orange Salad
  • Horiatiki
  • Cobb Salad

Be sure to follow me onFacebook,YouTube,Instagram,andPinterest,and if you’ve had a chance to make this then definitely drop me a comment and a rating below.

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (9)

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Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli)

Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (10)

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5 from 6 votes

This refreshing Tabbouleh salad recipe is loaded up with parsley, bulgur wheat, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber for the ultimate side dish.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
  • 5 sliced green onions
  • 25-30 finely minced fresh mint leaves
  • 6 filleted and medium-diced Roma tomatoes, see video
  • 4 medium-diced Persian cucumbers
  • 3 bunches of finely minced parsley
  • 1 finely minced garlic clove
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add the bulgur wheat to a medium-size bowl and stir in enough lukewarm water to completely cover it. Set aside for 20 to 25 minutes to soften it.

  • In the meantime, prepare all the vegetables and herbs for it and add them to a large bowl.

  • Drain the bulgur through a chinois or cheesecloth and press down to remove as much liquid as possible.

  • Add the bulgur to the bowl with the vegetables and add in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and mix to combine.

  • Serve or keep cool.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can make this tabbouleh salad up to 1 day ahead of time.

How to Store: Cover and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can use any tomato in this recipe.

Feel free to use an English or American slicing (burpee) cucumber, however, be sure to remove the seeds.

Use a majority of the parsley stems.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 198mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 526IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: lebanese, Mediterranean

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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13 comments

    • Becky
    • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (11)

    I could live on this recipe. To make it into a meal, I add Parma ham & crumbled feta. Divine

    • Reply
    • Mary Lohrstorfer
    • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (12)

    I love this fresh tabbouleh recipe!
    It always turns out good.

    • Reply
    • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (13)

        fantastic!

        • Reply
      • Remedios Santos
      • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (14)

      The best!

      • Reply
      • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (15)

          so good!!

          • Reply
        • Karen
        • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (16)

        This is the best Tabouleh Salad I have ever had! Will definitely be making this many times this summer. So light and refreshing. Everyone loved it! Thank you Chef Parisi. Another definite keeper recipe from you.

        • Reply
        • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (17)

            thanks for giving it a shot!!

            • Reply
              • Lisa Albers
              • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (18)

              This recipe is actually better than what I had in the Middle East. I really appreciate the video. Especially soaking the bulgar and the 10 plus minutes of chopping the parsley. I probably wouldn’t have chopped it so finely if I hadn’t watched the video. Excellent, fresh and delightful salad.

              • Reply
              • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (19)

                  Wow, that’s high praise!

                  • Reply
            • Mary
            • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (20)

            Dang near lived off this last year, it’s soo good!
            Sometimes added shredded chicken and ate in a pita pocket 😘

            • Reply
            • Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (21)

                Awesome!

                • Reply
              • Spenser

              Thank you for making these printer friendly. You and I are on the same page…Keep It Simple! Will make this week. Cheers

              • Reply
            Tabbouleh Salad Recipe (Tabouli) (2024)

            FAQs

            What is the ingredients in Tabouli? ›

            Tabbouleh is basically parsley salad. There's technically no lettuce in it. It's a salad made up of parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and green onions – all finely chopped and tossed with olive oil and lemon juice!

            How do you make tabbouleh less bitter? ›

            Let the tabouli salad sit in the fridge a good 1-2 hours before serving, allowing the bulgar to soak up the juices from the tomatoes and lemon, and the parsley to soften and lose any bitterness. Tabouli will keep for up to 4 days in a sealed container in the fridge.

            How long does Tabouli last in the fridge? ›

            Because of its ingredients, tabouli will last in the refrigerator for up to four days, so make sure you eat it before then.

            Is Tabouli healthy to eat everyday? ›

            Tabbouleh is a healthy, vegetarian food that has no cholesterol, is low in fat, and high in fiber, vitamins, and much more.

            What is a substitute for bulgur in Tabouli? ›

            While the classic tabbouleh recipe includes bulgur wheat, alternative versions can be made without it, using substitutes like quinoa, couscous, or even omitting the grain entirely. These variations allow for dietary restrictions or personal preferences while still maintaining the essence of the dish.

            Does tabbouleh contain garlic? ›

            Tabbouleh is dressed in a simple combination of olive oil and lemon juice. You won't find garlic in every tabbouleh recipe, but I think that one clove makes this recipe extra delicious.

            What spice takes away bitterness? ›

            Spices mask bitter flavors, so don't be shy. Add some spicy peppers or powders to your cooking, or sprinkle some onto your dishes for a little bit of extra heat. Black pepper in particular has compounds that counteract bitterness. Some other great spices include cayenne, red pepper, paprika, and chili powder.

            What cancels bitterness? ›

            Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

            What pairs well with tabbouleh? ›

            Tabbouleh Serving Suggestions
            • Dips and spreads. Hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara, and tzatziki are all fantastic with tabbouleh.
            • Pita bread. We love to make our own! ...
            • Cheeses. Set out cubes of feta, or make homemade labneh or this whipped feta dip.
            • Fresh veggies. ...
            • Olives or toasted nuts.

            What country is tabbouleh from? ›

            Dishes like tabbouleh attest to their continued popularity in Middle Eastern cuisine today. Originally from the mountains of Lebanon and Syria, tabbouleh has become one of the most popular salads in the Middle East.

            Can you freeze parsley for tabouli? ›

            Frozen parsley will last for months in the freezer :) Parsley is one of the few herbs I rather store frozen rather than dried, as the taste is far superior. Parsley leaves can be chopped and stored in the freezer for months, allowing you to add a “fresh-from-the-garden” touch to dishes throughout the year.

            How do you eat tabouli? ›

            Tabbouleh salad is so versatile! You can serve it as an appetizer with hummus, romaine lettuce leaves, pita bread and falafel or as a side dish for cookouts. It's also delicious served with some protein for a light lunch or dinner. Chickpeas, black beans or my apple cider vinegar chicken would all be tasty additions.

            What is a fun fact about tabbouleh? ›

            Tabouli, also known as Tabbouleh, is a vegan salad that originated in Lebanon and Syria, quickly becoming a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. And as a fun fact, Tabbouleh is so well loved in Lebanon that they even have an entire day dedicated to celebrate it.

            Is Tabouli good for the gut? ›

            It's great for your digestive health and skin. Some versions of tabbouleh tend to be heavier on the bulgar wheat, whereas traditionally the parsley is the main feature.

            Is tabbouleh good for your gut? ›

            Digestive Benefits: Tabouleh is packed with ingredients that promote digestion and gut health. Parsley, the star herb in this salad, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, aiding in digestion and supporting detoxification processes.

            What is bulgur made of? ›

            Bulgur is made from cracked whole grain wheat berries that are partially cooked and then dried. This process is the key to bulgur's convenience—because the cracked wheat berries are fully cooked (much like instant rice!), all you have to do is rehydrate them.

            Is tabouli good for gut health? ›

            It's great for your digestive health and skin. Some versions of tabbouleh tend to be heavier on the bulgar wheat, whereas traditionally the parsley is the main feature.

            Does tabouli contain wheat? ›

            What is traditional tabbouleh made of? Tabouli salad or Tabbouleh is a Mediterranean salad made of very finely chopped vegetables, lots of fresh parsley, and cracked bulgur wheat, all tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.

            Is tabouli high in carbs? ›

            Are There Carbs In Tabouli? As soon as I said wheat, I'm sure you realized that's not low carb. One cup of tabbouleh contains approximately 16 grams of carbohydrates.

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