Tabooleh With Feta Cheese
A vibrant Middle Eastern salad combining fresh herbs, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for Mediterranean meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak bulghur in water for 30 minutes.
- Chop scallions, parsley, mint, cucumber, and tomatoes very fine.
- Drain the bulghur and add it to the chopped ingredients.
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, and feta cheese; mix well.
- Serve with Syrian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or even some diced radishes for crunch. If you're out of bulghur, quinoa or couscous could work as substitutes. Ensure the cucumber is diced finely to blend well with the other ingredients. Adjust the amount of feta cheese based on your taste preference; a little goes a long way in adding creaminess and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Tabooleh with Feta Cheese is best served chilled. It pairs beautifully with Syrian bread for a delightful meal or as a side dish to grilled meats. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside Greek Veggies or a light Mediterranean dish. It's also great for picnics or potlucks, adding a refreshing and healthy option to the spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become watery as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. To refresh the flavors, you can add a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before enjoying it again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tabooleh With Feta Cheese contains roughly 473 calories, with 13g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 Tabooleh in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Tabooleh a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until serving. However, it's best to add the feta cheese just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for parsley?
If you're not a fan of parsley, you can try using cilantro for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that this will significantly change the taste of the dish. Another option is to mix in some arugula for a peppery kick.
Is Tabooleh suitable for a vegan diet?
To make Tabooleh vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The salad is already packed with fresh vegetables and grains, making it a healthy and satisfying option for those following a vegan diet.
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).