Lebanese Parsley Tabbouleh Salad

Name: Lebanese Parsley Tabbouleh Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 cup bulgur (fine variety); 2 bunches fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1/2 bunch fresh mint leaves (finely chopped); 4 medium tomatoes (diced); 1 medium red onion (finely diced); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or to taste); 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

50 min 6 servings Easy

All Recipes

A refreshing and herbaceous Lebanese parsley tabbouleh salad, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Prep

20 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Tabbouleh is a vibrant and refreshing salad that hails from the Levantine cuisine, particularly popular in Lebanese dishes. The star of this dish is parsley, which is used in abundance, making it a green and fresh delight. Traditionally, tabbouleh is a parsley salad with a hint of bulgur, tomatoes, mint, and onions, dressed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. It's a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and is perfect for a light, healthy meal or as a side dish to a larger spread.

Instructions

Prepare bulgur

Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes tender.

Pro tip: Ensure the bulgur is fine for a traditional texture.

Drain bulgur

After the bulgur has absorbed the water, drain any excess using a fine sieve and press out any remaining water.

Chop vegetables

Finely chop the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and red onion. The smaller the pieces, the better the texture of the salad.

Pro tip: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Mix salad

In a large bowl, combine the drained bulgur with the chopped vegetables.

Pro tip: Mix gently to keep the ingredients intact.

Prepare dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and chill

Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavours to meld.

Pro tip: Chilling enhances the salad's flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

Chill the salad before serving for enhanced flavour.
Use fresh, high-quality parsley for the best results.
Adjust the lemon juice to taste for desired tanginess.
Finely chop ingredients for a traditional texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is taboulé salade?

Taboulé salade is a traditional Lebanese salad made with parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, mint, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.

How do I make traditional tabbouleh?

Traditional tabbouleh involves finely chopping parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions, and mixing with soaked bulgur and a lemon-olive oil dressing.

What is the difference between taboulé and regular salad?

Taboulé is a parsley-based salad with bulgur, making it distinct from regular salads that typically have lettuce as a base.

How long should tabbouleh sit before serving?

Let tabbouleh sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

Can I prepare tabbouleh in advance?

Yes, tabbouleh can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance its flavours.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Lebanese parsley tabbouleh salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. It's perfect with grilled meats, as part of a mezze platter, or simply with warm pita bread. This salad is best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavours meld beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.