The Best Homemade Tabbouleh Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This tabbouleh recipe is fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. It’s packed with bright, zesty flavors from fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Finally, it’s a great make-ahead dish, tasting even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Recipe
Tabbouleh is a revitalizing and vibrant Middle Eastern salad made primarily with bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions, all dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal, known for its fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed the water.
- Fluff the bulgur with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes:
- For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil.
- Tabbouleh can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
- If bulgur is not available, quinoa can be used as a substitute.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Fork
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade tabbouleh recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice. Below is the nutrition information per serving.
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 3g
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade tabbouleh with grilled chicken—it’s savory, juicy, and complements the fresh herbs perfectly. Warm, soft pita bread is another favorite, as it’s great for scooping up every last bit of the salad. These combinations make the dish feel like a complete, hearty meal.
Grilled Chicken Pairings
When I’m grilling chicken, I love thinking about how to make the meal feel complete without overcomplicating things. Tabbouleh is my go-to side because its bright, herby flavors balance the smoky richness of the chicken. I’ll often marinate the chicken in lemon, garlic, and olive oil to echo the tabbouleh’s zesty notes. A simple cucumber-yogurt sauce adds creaminess, while a handful of olives or feta brings salty contrast. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw some charred veggies on the grill too. It’s a meal that feels fresh, satisfying, and just right for warm evenings.
Fresh Pita Bread Options
Fresh pita bread is one of those versatile staples that can transform a meal into something extra special. I love serving warm, fluffy pita alongside tabbouleh—it’s perfect for scooping up every last bite! Sometimes, I’ll toast it lightly for a bit of crunch, or leave it soft if I’m craving that pillowy texture. You can also stuff it with tabbouleh, add some hummus, or drizzle olive oil for extra flavor. When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll make homemade pita, but store-bought works just as well. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
