Can You Make Tabbouleh Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, letting it sit for a few hours allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Is Tabbouleh Vegan and Gluten-Free?

Traditional tabbouleh is vegan, but not gluten-free (because of bulgur). Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free version.

Can I Use Couscous Instead of Bulgur?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Couscous is softer, while bulgur has more bite.

How to Make Traditional Tabbouleh Like a Pro (With Common Mistakes to Avoid!)

Name: How to Make Traditional Tabbouleh Like a Pro (With Common Mistakes to Avoid!)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped) 🌿; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped) 🌱 (optional but recommended); 2 large ripe tomatoes (diced) 🍅; 3 stalks green onions (finely chopped) 🧅; 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat 🌾 (or quinoa for a gluten-free version); 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 🍋; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒; 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂 (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️ (optional: a pinch of sumac for extra tang)

Description

This authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh is a light, refreshing, and healthy salad made with fresh parsley, ripe tomatoes, bulgur wheat, mint, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a nutritious meal, this recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is packed with nutrients! 🥗✨

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped) 🌿
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped) 🌱 (optional but recommended)
2 large ripe tomatoes (diced) 🍅
3 stalks green onions (finely chopped) 🧅
1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat 🌾 (or quinoa for a gluten-free version)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 🍋
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂 (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️ (optional: a pinch of sumac for extra tang)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bulgur

1️⃣ Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water and soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes until soft.
2️⃣ Drain well and squeeze out excess water. (If using quinoa, cook it according to package instructions and let it cool.)

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Herbs

🔪 Finely chop the parsley and mint—use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves.

Step 3: Dice the Vegetables

🥄 Dice the tomatoes and green onions into small, even pieces. (Remove excess tomato seeds to prevent a watery salad.)

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

🥗 In a large mixing bowl, combine the bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

🍋 In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

🥣 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
🕑 Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

✅ Enjoy your fresh, zesty Tabbouleh! 🥗✨

Notes

✔ Finely chop everything for the best texture.
✔ Use fresh ingredients—parsley should be bright green and crisp.
✔ Adjust the dressing to taste—add more lemon for extra zing!
✔ Let it rest before serving for better flavor absorption.
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. (Not suitable for freezing! ❄️

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (Bulgur soaks, no cooking needed!)
Category: Salad
Method: Chopping & Mixing
Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg