Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Lebanese salad where fine bulgur and abundant herbs create a refreshing, herbaceous centerpiece. This lebanese-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fine bulgur, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh mint into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Serves 6 Lebanese cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cup fine bulgur in 1 cup warm water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint, 2 medium diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  3. Step 3: Add drained bulgur to the bowl, then pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed and flavors combine.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fine bulgur from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs?

Lebanese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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