Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur
A refreshing and vibrant salad combining finely chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and fresh mint with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This middle eastern-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fine bulgur wheat, boiling water, finely chopped fresh parsley 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 180 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 medium, diced tomatoes
- 4, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat in a heatproof bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over it. Cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap and let soak for 20 minutes until the bulgur is tender. Drain any excess water by pressing through a fine mesh sieve.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, 2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 medium diced tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature as a bright side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur 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 Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur?
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 wheat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur?
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 Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Parsley and Bulgur vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.