How to Make Tabbouleh

Are you looking for a great tabouli recipe? Whether you call it tabouli or tabouleh, this bulgur-based Middle Eastern salad is easy to assemble. Read on to learn how to make tabouli step by step.

Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad that combines parsley, mint, bulgur, tomato, cucumber and onion in a dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil and spices. The salad is a very popular side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. To find out more about this traditional salad, read on to learn how to make tabbouleh.

In addition to the parsley, mint and tomatoes, bulgar is a characteristic ingredient in the dish. Bulgar is a Greek wheat, sold dry in the ethnic food section of most grocery stores. Cooked similar to rice, the bulgar is boiled before it's used, then drained before it's combined with the other ingredients to make the salad.

The dressing is fairly mild, using just lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. The mild taste allows the individual flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.

The entire dish is very easy to prepare and fairly quick as well. Preparation tales about 30-40 minutes, then the completed salad can be refrigerated until chilled, about one hour.

This step-by-step guide explains the ingredients and preparation method for making tabbouleh at home. Additionally, the page provides some simple variations and tips to help along the way.

The main ingredient of tabouli is bulgur, a whole grain which has been processed slightly to make it quick to cook. To make tabouli, the bulgur is soaked and drained, then mixed with dressing, herbs, and vegetables.

• 1 cup dry bulgur
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 1 red onion
• 2 cups fresh parley
• 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper

1. Stir together the bulgar and boiling water in a large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to sit for about 15 minutes.
2. While the bulgar is soaking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley and mint.
3. Drain the bulgar and stir in the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley and mint.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture, tossing well to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about one hour.
8. Serve and enjoy!

1. Use green onions in place of the red onion if desired.
2. Add in one teaspoon of cumin for a robust flavor.
3. Add in a few cloves of minced garlic for additional flavor.
4. Serve over lettuce as a side dish alongside chicken.
5. Add 2 tomatoes, diced, and 4 green onions, chopped.
6. Soak the bulgur in tomato juice instead of water, for additional flavor.
7. Add 1 cucumber, chopped.
8. Serve topped with grilled shrimp or chicken.