Tabbouleh(Aperitif Or Salad From Lebanon)
A refreshing Lebanese salad or appetizer featuring parsley, mint, tomato, and bulgur, with bright lemon and olive oil flavors, perfect for light meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak burghul until soft; in cold water, it requires 1 hour, in warm water, 30 minutes.
- Wash parsley and mint leaves thoroughly and chop very fine.
- Chop onion very fine. Drain burghul.
- Add chopped parsley, mint, and onion to the burghul.
- Mix well.
- Add seasoning, chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, and oil.
- Mix well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your tabbouleh, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter taste. If you find burghul hard to find, quinoa or couscous can be good substitutes, though the texture will differ slightly. For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or bell pepper. Always ensure your herbs are fresh for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tabbouleh is best enjoyed chilled as a refreshing aperitif or salad. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a perfect side for dishes like Pineapple Kolbasi or Mediterranean recipes. Serve it alongside hummus or pita for a light meal or as part of a larger mezze platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. To refresh, give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the herbs and vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tabbouleh(Aperitif Or Salad From Lebanon) contains roughly 361 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1890mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tabbouleh ahead of time?
Yes, tabbouleh can be made a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
What can I substitute for parsley?
If you're not a fan of parsley, you can use fresh cilantro as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile of the dish. Additionally, a mixture of herbs like basil and mint can create a unique twist on traditional tabbouleh.
Is tabbouleh gluten-free?
Traditional tabbouleh is not gluten-free due to the use of burghul. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting burghul with quinoa or rice. This will maintain a similar texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).