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Tabbouleh: A Traditional Lebanese Vegetarian Salad
Tabbouleh Vegetarian Salad is a classic Middle Eastern dish that originates from Lebanon. It combines fresh, vibrant ingredients and holds a central place in Lebanese cuisine. This salad is not only vegetarian but also fully vegan, making it a perfect option for a wide range of dietary choices. Tabbouleh keeps things simple, yet every bite bursts with flavour from fresh herbs, bright citrus, and crisp vegetables.
What Makes Tabbouleh Salad Special
Traditional Lebanese tabbouleh uses key ingredients like parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the salad’s distinct flavour and texture. Parsley forms the base and appears in generous amounts, giving the dish its signature green colour. When you finely chop the parsley, it releases a fresh, slightly peppery taste that lifts the entire salad. Bulgur wheat, a staple grain in Middle Eastern cooking, adds a mild nutty flavour and a pleasantly chewy texture that contrasts with the crunchy vegetables.
Juicy tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness, while onions deliver a sharp, bold edge. Fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the tang of lemon juice. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil blends all the ingredients together, making every forkful rich, fresh, and satisfying.
Tabbouleh Vegetarian Salad Recipe
Tabbouleh is a fresh and flavourful Lebanese salad, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. This vegetarian salad is packed with herbs, veggies, and grains, offering a nutritious and vibrant addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
1 bunch fresh parsley (about 2 cups, finely chopped)
1/2 bunch fresh mint (about 1/2 cup, finely chopped)
4 medium ripe tomatoes (diced)
1 small onion or 5-6 green onions (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Optional: A pinch of allspice or cinnamon
Instructions:
Soak the Bulgur Wheat: Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover it with boiling water. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes until it’s tender and has absorbed the water. Drain any excess water if necessary.
Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop the parsley and mint leaves. The herbs should be chopped as finely as possible to release their full flavour.
Dice the tomatoes and finely chop the onion or green onions.
Mix the Ingredients: Once the bulgur wheat is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions to the bowl with the bulgur.
Season and Dress the Salad: Pour the fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the mixture.
Add salt to taste, and if desired, a pinch of allspice or cinnamon for extra depth of flavour.
Toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
Serve the tabbouleh immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Tabbouleh is traditionally served as part of a mezze platter, alongside dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing, light meal.
Enjoy this classic Lebanese salad, bursting with fresh flavours and wholesome goodness!
