Tabouli(Greek Salad)
A vibrant Mediterranean salad featuring fluffy bulgur, fresh herbs, lemon, and feta, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix bulgur, boiling water, and salt in a pan. Cover and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes or until the bulgur is chewable and the water is absorbed.
- Add lemon juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, dried mint, and black pepper to the bulgur mixture. Mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 2 to 3 hours.
- Add chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley before serving.
- Crumble and drain feta cheese, then add to the salad and mix thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. If you're out of bulgur wheat, you can substitute quinoa for a gluten-free version. Adding diced cucumbers or bell peppers can enhance the crunch and flavor. Make sure to let the salad chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. This dish also works well as a side for Mediterranean recipes like Chickpea One Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tabouli as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or pair it with pita bread and hummus for a light meal. It makes a great accompaniment to dishes like Israeli Vegetable Stew or Peppery Pasta With Feta Cheese. Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of feta for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tabouli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid reheating, as tabouli is best served cold or at room temperature. If it seems dry after storage, drizzle with a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tabouli(Greek Salad) contains roughly 651 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2053mg per serving (89% 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 tabouli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare tabouli a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just ensure you add the tomatoes, green onions, and parsley right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Is tabouli gluten-free?
Traditional tabouli is made with bulgur wheat, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting bulgur with quinoa or finely chopped cauliflower.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try crumbled tofu or a vegan feta cheese. For a creamier texture, you could also use goat cheese as an alternative to feta, which will still provide a tangy flavor.
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).