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Best Tabbouleh Recipe

A Mediterranean masterpiece featuring fresh parsley, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lemon that creates a bright, herbaceous salad perfect for warm summer days.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
  • cups boiling water
  • 3 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 4 medium tomatoes, diced small
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pour boiling water over bulgur in a large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely. The bulgur should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  2. While bulgur cools, wash parsley thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels. Chop parsley very finely – this is crucial for authentic tabbouleh texture. Dice tomatoes into small, uniform pieces and place in a colander with a pinch of salt to drain excess moisture for 10 minutes.
  3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning – the dressing should be bright and well-balanced.
  4. Add cooled bulgur to a large serving bowl. Fold in chopped parsley, mint, drained tomatoes, and green onions. Pour dressing over mixture and toss gently but thoroughly. The herbs should dominate – you want more parsley than bulgur for authentic flavor.
  5. Let tabbouleh rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a final stir and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Notes

Prepare bulgur and chop herbs the night before, then assemble just before serving for maximum freshness. Don't oversoak the bulgur - it should be tender, not mushy. Parsley should be the star, not bulgur. Always drain tomatoes to prevent soggy salad. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Doesn't freeze well due to fresh herbs and tomatoes. Refresh leftovers with extra lemon juice before serving.