Tabbouleh is one of the most refreshing salads I have ever tasted. With lots of mint, cucumber, lemon juice, parsley, and ripe, juicy tomatoes, it not only quenches my thirst and naturally cools me down, but it is also full of nutrients and tastes delicious. The grain in tabbouleh is bulgur wheat, which tastes similar to couscous. 
I really like bulgur because it is a hundred percent whole wheat and full of fiber, iron, protein, and vitamin B-6. Bulgur is also a relatively low glycemic index food, so it causes less fluctuations in blood glucose levels than many other carbohydrates. Plus, it is filling without giving one that stuffed feeling.
With the heat wave we have been experiencing this week, it is the perfect dish to satisfy a body in need of nutrients with a light touch. It is also a perfect dish to take to potlucks and picnics, since this salad does not wilt easily.
I can’t believe I forgot about this dish all summer until now, since my whole family loves it, and I made it numerous times last summer. We have some of the ingredients growing in our very own garden right now, including parsley, tomatoes ripening on the vine, and mint growing rampant. That makes it even better, because the freshness of the vegetables is key to the wonderful flavor. Luckily, I am now back on track again with the tabbouleh, and there is still time to make more, with the tomatoes still rolling in! After eating a big bowlful during dinner tonight, my son said that he likes tabbouleh so much, he would rather eat a bowl of it than eat an Oreo (!), and with him, that is saying something. With that kind of endorsement, I am going to make another batch tomorrow! In fact, I plan to double the recipe so it will last for more than one meal.
The recipe I am sharing below reflects the balance of traditional tabbouleh ingredients we like best in my family. Feel free to adjust the levels to your personal tastes. It only takes about a half hour to whip up a batch, though it tastes best after it has chilled at least an hour.
Until the next time, stay cool, and savor what remains of the beautiful summer! The mornings have been so misty and lovely here lately, before the day starts to really heat up. The insects are humming and there is a golden hue to the light. I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend! I am off to visit Angie’s Fiesta Friday, co-hosted today by Effie @ Food Daydreaming and Steffi @ Ginger & Bread.
Refreshing Tabbouleh
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of bulgur
- 1 cup of tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup of cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup of green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mint leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Wash the bulgur in a bowl, changing the water a few times. Then cover the bulgur with boiling water. Set aside and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, wash and finely chop the vegetables and herbs, and place them in a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. When the bulgur is done, drain it through a fine strainer. Take the bulgur by handfuls and squeeze the excess water out of it, then add it to the bowl with the salad mixture. Stir gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate the tabbouleh for at least one hour. Serve cold. Enjoy!
Your Tabbouleh looks so fresh and delicious! 🙂
Thank you, Linda!
Ooooo New Food! Gosh, I am so inspired by your pictures. Off to buy bulgur at the market. Your cooking sure can make me hungry! Do you have any ideas what to do with bean spouts?
Thank you Ginger, I hope you enjoy the tabbouleh! Off the top of my head, I don’t know any recipes with bean sprouts, but I will keep my eyes open and let you know if I see anything!
This Tabbouleh recipe looks SO good! Happy FF! 🙂
Thank you so much! Thank you for stopping by!
What a beautiful, light, healthy and refreshing tabbouleh recipe! Such beautiful photos as well. Thanks for sharing with FF#84 🙂
Thank you very much! Thank you for co-hosting this week. 🙂
You’re on a roll!
Thanks Mark–you know this is a great time of year for fresh produce!
Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad. This has made me want to go out and buy some bulghur wheat again.
Thank you! Thank you for stopping by!
I love that it is LOADED with cucumbers and tomatoes- so fresh and healthy. Nice!
Thank you, Josette! I love it too! It makes me feel good and energized.