Tabouleh Salad Recipe – How To Make Authentic Lebanese Taboulli
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Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this authentic Lebanese tabouleh salad is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine! Made with finely chopped parsley, juicy tomatoes, refreshing mint, and nutty bulgur, this healthy salad is dressed with zesty lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, part of a mezze platter, or enjoying it on its own, this traditional tabouleh recipe is simple, delicious, and stays fresh for days!
Tabouleh salad (also spelled tabbouleh or taboulli) is a very tasty and healthy Lebanese recipe. Authentic tabouleh recipe is made with parsley, mint, bulgur, tomatoes and onion, and seasoned with the dressing of oil and lemon juice.
Why You’ll Love This Tabouleh Salad
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors – The combination of finely chopped parsley, mint, and juicy tomatoes creates a bright and refreshing salad that’s full of flavor in every bite. The zesty lemon juice and rich olive oil tie everything together beautifully.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a great source of antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome meal.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients and no complicated cooking techniques, this recipe comes together effortlessly. A little chopping and mixing is all you need!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Unlike most salads that wilt quickly, tabouleh stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for busy weeks or gatherings.
- Pairs Well with Many Dishes – Serve tabouleh alongside grilled meats, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, or pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast. It’s a versatile dish that complements many flavors!
Tabouleh is a classic dish that you’ll find in most Middle Eastern restaurants. The herbs make taboulli salad so refreshing – this salad is really yummy, healthy and addictive, you’ll just want to be eating more and more!
A great thing about tabouleh is that it can be made ahead. Unlike most green salads that have to be served and eaten immediately, taboulli stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tabbouleh stays tasty for days because it doesn’t have big lettuce leaves that wilt – all tabouleh ingredients are very finely chopped into tiny pieces.
All the ingredients in tabouleh are very common except bulgur. Bulgur is a grain – it is, in fact, cracket wheat. Bulgur is found in the “grains” section of most supermarkets, and it’s very easy to cook – just soak it in hot water.
If you like tabouleh, you don’t need to limit yourself to eating it at restaurant – you can make tabbouleh salad yourself quickly and easily! Just follow this easy recipe to learn how to make taboulli.
Tabouleh Salad Recipe
Tabouleh Ingredients
- 2 bunches of parsley – The star ingredient, giving the salad its signature fresh and herbaceous flavor.
- 1/2 bunch mint (optional) – Adds a refreshing touch and enhances the overall taste.
- 6 green onions or 1/2 of small regular onion – Provides a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 4 tomatoes – Adds juiciness and a slight sweetness that balances the tangy lemon dressing.
- 1/3 cup bulgur – A nutty, chewy grain that soaks up the dressing and adds texture to the salad.
- 1/2 cup water – Used to soften the bulgur before mixing it into the salad.
- Juice from 1 lemon – Brings a bright, citrusy tang that enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps blend all the flavors together.
- 1/8 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/8 tsp pepper – Adds a mild heat and a touch of spice to balance the flavors.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Tabouleh Salad
- Small Pot with Lid – Used to soak and soften the bulgur.
- Food Processor (Optional) – Helps finely chop the parsley and mint quickly and evenly.
- Knife – Essential for chopping tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
- Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – Used to combine all the ingredients and mix the salad.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.
Instructions How To Make Tabouleh
- Heat the water in the small pot until boiling. When the water boils, add bulgur, remove from heat and cover with the lid. Leave the bulgur in the pot for 30 minutes.
- While the bulgur is soaking in hot water, finely chop the parsley, mint and green onions. I just pulse them in the food processor until they are very finely chopped.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces (similar to chopping tomatoes for the salsa).
- Mix the bulgur, parsley, mint, onion, tomatoes, salt, pepper, lemon juice and oil. Refrigerate tabouleh salad for 1 hour to blend flavors.
Enjoy this yummy, healthy and refreshing tabouleh salad! If you like taboulli, you might also be interested in my other Middle Eastern recipes: how to make baba ganoush, Persian dill rice, best homemade hummus and stuffed grape leaves recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve tabouleh as a side dish with grilled meats like Crispy Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Chicken Strips, lamb, or Juicy Air Fryer Boneless Beef Short Ribs for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
- Pair it with Creamy Homemade Hummus Without Tahini and Fluffy Greek-Style Pita Bread for a light and satisfying lunch.
- Enjoy it as part of a mezze platter with Authentic Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Ground Beef, Creamy Baba Ganoush in the Instant Pot, and Crispy Air Fryer Falafel.
- Spoon it into Easy Roasted Romaine Lettuce, low-carb alternative.
- Serve it alongside Authentic Persian Dill Rice with Basmati or Oven-Roasted Rainbow Vegetables for a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Tips for Success
- Finely Chop the Herbs – The key to authentic tabouleh is finely chopped parsley and mint. A food processor can help speed up the process, but be careful not to over-process, or the herbs may become mushy. If chopping by hand, use a sharp knife and take your time to get small, even pieces.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Since tabouleh is a raw salad, the freshness of the ingredients makes a big difference. Use bright green parsley, ripe red tomatoes, and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Soak the Bulgur Properly – Bulgur doesn’t need to be cooked, just soaked in hot water until it softens. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then fluff it with a fork. If it seems too dry, add a splash of water and let it sit a bit longer.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – After mixing the salad, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the flavors time to blend and develop, making the salad taste even better.
- Adjust to Taste – Some people prefer more lemon juice, others like a stronger olive oil flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a tangier taste, add extra lemon juice. If you prefer a richer texture, drizzle in more olive oil.
- Serve Chilled – Tabouleh tastes best when served cold, making it a refreshing dish for hot weather. Keep it refrigerated until ready to eat.
- Customize with Add-Ins – While traditional tabouleh is simple, you can get creative by adding cucumbers, pomegranate seeds, or chickpeas for extra texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option – Traditional tabouleh contains bulgur, which is made from wheat. For a gluten-free version, swap the bulgur for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both absorb flavors well and keep the salad light and fluffy.
- Low-Carb Version – If you’re cutting back on carbs, replace the bulgur with chopped cucumbers or grated zucchini. This keeps the texture fresh and crisp while reducing the carb count.
- Extra Protein Boost – To make this a more filling meal, add chickpeas, lentils, or feta cheese. These additions provide extra protein and a satisfying texture.
- Different Citrus Flavors – While lemon juice is traditional, you can experiment with lime juice for a slightly different tangy twist. Lime pairs especially well with fresh mint.
- More Crunch – If you love a bit of crunch in your salads, toss in some toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Spicier Kick – For a bit of heat, add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives the salad a subtle spice that balances well with the fresh herbs.
- Herb Swaps – If you’re not a fan of mint, you can leave it out or replace it with fresh cilantro for a different, but equally delicious, herbal twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover tabouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!
- No Reheating Needed – Tabouleh is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Drain Excess Liquid – As the salad sits, the tomatoes may release extra juice. If needed, drain off some of the liquid before serving to keep the texture fresh.
- Freezing Not Recommended – Due to the high water content of the herbs and tomatoes, freezing tabouleh will cause it to become soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tabouleh ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, tabouleh tastes even better after it has had time to sit and absorb all the flavors. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What type of bulgur should I use?
Use fine bulgur (#1 grade) for the best texture. This type softens quickly when soaked in hot water and blends seamlessly with the finely chopped herbs. Coarse bulgur takes longer to soften and may have a chewier texture.
Can I use a different grain instead of bulgur?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free alternative, use quinoa, millet, or cauliflower rice instead of bulgur. Just cook the quinoa or millet before adding it to the salad.
How do I keep my tabouleh from becoming too watery?
To avoid excess moisture, remove the seeds from the tomatoes before chopping them. Also, finely chop the parsley and avoid washing it right before mixing, as extra water can dilute the dressing.
Can I add cucumbers to tabouleh?
Yes! While traditional tabouleh doesn’t include cucumbers, they make a great addition. Dice them finely and mix them in for extra crunch and freshness.
Why does my tabouleh taste bitter?
If your tabouleh tastes slightly bitter, it may be due to over-chopped parsley or using old olive oil. Make sure to use fresh parsley and chop it finely but not to the point where it becomes mushy. Also, always use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
What dishes go well with tabouleh?
Tabouleh pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and warm pita bread. It also makes a great topping for falafel wraps or a side for roasted vegetables.
Other Easy Salad Recipes
Low-Carb Cauliflower Tabbouleh – Gluten-Free Mediterranean Salad – This light and refreshing cauliflower tabbouleh is a low-carb twist on the classic, packed with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Creamy Apple Raisin Greek Yogurt Salad – A sweet and tangy combination of crisp apples, plump raisins, and creamy Greek yogurt, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish.
Healthy Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Feta -This protein-packed quinoa salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavors, featuring feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing.
Authentic Shirazi Salad with Persian Cucumbers and Tomatoes – A simple yet flavorful Persian salad made with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, and a splash of fresh lime juice.
Fresh Shrimp Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes – This refreshing shrimp and avocado salad is bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, zesty lime, and fresh herbs for a light and satisfying meal.
Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese – A classic Mediterranean salad with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple, healthy side dish.
Easy Turkey Salad Recipe Using Thanksgiving Leftovers – Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious and creamy turkey salad with crunchy celery, tangy mayo, and a hint of Dijon mustard.
Tabouleh Salad Recipe – How To Make Authentic Lebanese Taboulli
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of parsley
- ½ bunch of min optional
- 6 green onions or ½ small regular onion
- 4 tomatoes
- ⅓ cup bulgur
- ½ cup water
- 1 lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Small pot with lid
- Food Processor optional, for chopping herbs
Instructions
- Heat water in a small pot until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, add the bulgur, remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop the parsley, mint, and green onions. Using a food processor can make this step quicker.
- Dice the tomatoes into small pieces, similar to how you would for salsa.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, onions, and tomatoes.
- Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing, authentic Lebanese tabouleh!
Notes
- Traditional tabouleh is mostly made of finely chopped parsley, with bulgur as a minor ingredient. Adjust the proportions to your taste.
- If you prefer a softer bulgur, let it soak longer or add more hot water.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bulgur with cooked quinoa.
More Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Mixed Root Vegetable Fries – Crispy & Healthy
- Protein-Packed Bone Broth Rice for Extra Flavor
- Naturally Sweet Oven-Baked Apples with No Added Sugar
