Growing up, Lebanese food was normal fare among immediate and extended family. We enjoyed pita and hummus, stuffed grape leaves with lamb, meat pies, kibbeh and more. In the summer time when fresh veggies were plentiful and parsley was grown in huge planters, we knew it wouldn’t be long before we’d be eating tabbouleh salad.
It is such a fresh lemony salad that can be eaten on the side or as the main event for lunch. It is so delicious, and I’ve watched my parents make it for years but finally figured out how to do it all by myself that my family can carry on the tradition – if I can just convince my kids to give it a try.
My mint came back in full force this year and took over my garden, but sadly everything else in my garden didn’t fare so well. Luckily in summer we have access to many local farmers markets so I was able to pick up the rest of the ingredients there and (affiliate) bulgur can be found where you shop for grains in the grocery store.
If you can’t find bulgur or you want a higher protein swap, or if you’re avoiding gluten, quinoa is an amazing swap.
- 1 cup bulgur OR 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 cups or one large bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 5 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 4 scallion whites, finely chopped
- juice from one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- If using, place bulgur in a bowl with boiling water and let sit for one hour.
- Drain bulgur if there is excess liquid after allowing grain to absorb water. Set aside to cool.
- If using quinoa, rinse, cook and drain quinoa and set aside to cool.
- Combine with the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve
Try some of our other salad recipes
Originally Published August 11, 2017
This looks amazing! I love fresh salads that incorporate whole grains just like this one. I definitely would enjoy eating this for lunch or dinner.
Give me a good Tabbouleh Salad and I am happy. Love all the extras your salad has. Perfect mixer isn’t it?
Tabbouleh salad is one of my favorites. My family doesn’t like it, so I hardly ever make it. Guess what I’m having tomorrow!
This looks so yummy, thanks for sharing it. I love tabbouleh, it is such a filling and tasty salad.
I love Tabbouleh! Thanks!
yum I’d never heard of this salad before but it looks really delicious! This will be a must add to our list!
I’ve never tried this before. It looks really good and I love cucumber and mint so this is a must try!
What a creative salad idea, I think that it would be lovely to enjoy on a nice summer day in the middle of my work at home schedule to be honest. I will bookmark this to try to make your Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad!
I may have to try your Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad. I tried a boxed version recently and the results were not good. Yours sounds way better!
Perfect timing! I’m in dire need of lunch ideas and the healthier the better! This has so many of my favs in it!