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Refreshingly Simple Tabbouleh Salad

Lebanese cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t help but share this delicious recipe for Tabbouleh, a classic salad that perfectly captures the flavors of the Mediterranean. Now, let me be honest, I adore Lebanese food just as much—if not more—than Italian cuisine. There’s something about the bright, vibrant flavors that feels both comforting and adventurous.

You see, a lot of my knowledge about Lebanese food comes from the rich Lebanese-Brazilian culture in São Paulo, where there’s no shortage of incredible Lebanese restaurants. These eateries serve a wide array of delightful dishes, such as kibbeh, sfihas, hummus, and of course, the star of today’s recipe: Tabbouleh! While my version may have a Brazilian twist, it remains true to the essence of this beloved salad.

Traditional Tabbouleh is made mainly of fresh parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and is brightened with lime or lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. In Lebanon, you’ll find that it includes more parsley than bulgur, but I’ve found that a balanced addition of bulgur enhances the salad’s texture and makes it satisfying enough for lunch or a quick meal.

So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of Tabbouleh, where every bite is a burst of flavor!

Ingredients

1 cup bulgur wheat, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
2 bunches of parsley, washed, dried, and chopped
1 bunch of mint, washed, dried, and chopped
1 bunch of scallions, washed, dried, and chopped
2 large firm tomatoes, cubed
1/2 cucumber, cubed
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur wheat (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), parsley, mint, scallions, tomatoes, and cucumber. Mix everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Make sure each ingredient is nicely coated with the dressing.
Serve with Style
Allow the Tabbouleh to sit for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves or alongside pita bread and hummus for a delightful meal or appetizer.

Remember, if you prepare this salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the fresh, crunchy texture of the vegetables. Enjoy every delicious bite!