Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh) [Video]

Tabbouleh salad, also called Tabouli, is a delicious Middle Eastern salad that’s very simple and easy to make. Fresh vegetables and finely chopped herbs, mixed with bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil, make it the perfect salad.

Living in Turkey has been a great part of my life because that was where I discovered how Mediterranean recipes are so close to Middle Eastern cuisine. I love how fresh and seasonal ingredients are used in Mediterranean cuisine on a daily basis and food is always simple and undeniably delicious. Salads have a great role in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines like fattoush recipe or Mediterranean Salad Recipe Also cucumber tomato avocado salad and Manakish Zaataris another favorite of ours which I seriously cannot have enough of. And, today, we’re going to take a look at another favorite: Tabbouleh Salad.

If you’re all about healthy and easy salads, then this tabouli recipe is for you!

What is Tabbouleh (Tabouli)?

Tabbouleh or tabouli is a Mediterranean salad that’s pretty simple. It’s main ingredients are parsley, herbs and vegetables. It’s a light and easy salad that makes a great side to most dishes. This Mediterranean bulgur salad is very common in the region and you can find it in almost any Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurant. Tabouli is made mainly with parsley and bulgur with the addition of other veggies such as tomatoes. 

It’s very common to use bulgur in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes. From salads to bulgur pilaf and stuffed grape leaves, bulgur plays an important role in these regions’ cuisines. 

Is tabouleh healthy?

Since this Mediterranean bulgur salad is made with bulgur, which is rich in fiber, vitamin B and protein,  it’s very good for you. The dressing for tabouli is made with olive oil which is a healthy fat. Tabouli can be a good option as healthy side dish or a light lunch. 

What are the ingredients in tabouli salad?

Bulgur wheat, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs are the main ingredients used in this tabbouleh recipe. Depending on the recipe and region, other ingredients such as mint, bell pepper, red onion or green onion are used as well. You can use different types of bulgur like regular or extra fine bulgur. In this recipe, I’ve used coarse whole wheat bulgur, however, you can make tabouli with finer and lighter bulgur. 

The dressing used in tabbouleh salad recipe is made with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Such simple dressing gives so much flavor this this fresh and filling salad!

Do you cook bulgur?

It depends on the type of bulgur used in the recipe. If using large grain bulgur, you need to cook them according to the packaging. However, if you’re using fine bulgur, simply soak them in hot water for a few minutes and they’re ready to use. For this recipe, I used regular whole wheat bulgur and cooked them separately. Whole wheat bulgur is light brown whereas regular bulgur is more yellow.

Read more about bulgur wheat and what you can do with it.

How to cook bulgur wheat for tabouli

If you’re using fine bulgur for this recipe (I used fine bulgur for the video), simply place it in a bowl and pour 3/4 cup boiling water into the bowl and stir well. Let it sit for about 20 minutes until bulgur has soaked the water and is cooked. Let it cool completely and fluff with a fork before using it in the salad. 

However, if you’re using coarse bulgur such as the one in the photos, then bring 1 1/2 cup water to boil and cook the bulgur in the simmering water for about 20 to 25 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Drain and let it sit to cool. 

How to make tabbouleh salad

Start with the bulgur, depending on the type of bulgur, either cook it in a pot or just soak it in some boiling water. Once the bulgur is ready and completely cool, mix it with cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley and mint. Chill the salad in the fridge for thirty minutes and meanwhile, make the dressing using lemon and lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Once ready to serve, pour the dressing over tabbouli salad and stir well.

Do you eat tabouli salad hot or cold?

Tabouli is always served cold. It’s best to prepare it about an hour before serving so it’s cold when it comes to the table. 

What to serve with tabbouleh salad

Tabbouleh is the perfect side dish for many different dishes such as shish tawook, Turkish stuffed eggplant, or Persian chicken with saffron. Basically, tabbouleh would be perfect with any kind of chicken, beef or lamb dish. This Mediterranean Tabbouleh would make a wonderful side dish for chicken shawarma or homemade falafel as well. It’s also a delicious side dish for all kinds of barbecued meat such as beef shish kabob and chicken shish kabob.

Does tabbouleh contain gluten?

Since bulgur is a form of wheat, tabouli made with bulgur is not gluten-free. You can use quinoa instead of bulgur when making gluten-free tabouli. 

Notes and tips for tabouli recipe

• You can make tabbouleh salad with quinoa or couscous. It won’t be the classic tabbouleh salad, but it’s tasty.
• Tabbouleh salad is always served cold, it’s best to chill it in the fridge before serving it.
• For a fresh tabouli salad, mix the dressing with the salad right before serving. It’s best to serve tabouli the same day or within 24 hours.
• I don’t recommend freezing tabbouleh salad as it contains tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley. These vegetables don’t freeze well and become mushy and grainy and will ruin the flavor and texture of the salad.
• Make sure to use extra firm tomatoes to make this tabouli salad recipe. Softer tomatoes might release their juice which will change the texture of the salad. 

Looking for more Mediterranean salad recipes?

• Mediterranean Couscous Salad 
• Turkish homemade potato salad
• Mediterranean tuna salad
• Caprese pasta salad
• Greek salmon salad
• Turkish tomato salad (Gavurdagi)
• Mediterranean potato salad
• Turkish white bean salad