Tabbouleh Grain Bowl Fresh (Printable)

A fresh mix of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs tossed in lemon dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grain Base

01 - 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
02 - 1 1/2 cups boiling water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
05 - 1/2 English cucumber, diced
06 - 1 1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
08 - 4 scallions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

13 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
14 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
15 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine bulgur wheat and sea salt in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over the bulgur, cover, and let it sit for 10 minutes until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
02 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced scallions to the cooled bulgur. Toss gently to combine evenly.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the grain and vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally chill for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Serve in individual bowls topped with optional crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have gotten to know each other in the fridge.
  • You can have this ready in the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, which is remarkable for something this satisfying.
02 -
  • The bulgur needs to cool completely before you add fresh herbs or they'll wilt and lose their brightness, which teaches you that sometimes patience in cooking isn't a virtue, it's a requirement.
  • This salad actually improves overnight in the fridge as the flavors deepen, so make it the day before if you're feeding guests and want one less thing to worry about.
03 -
  • Chop your herbs just before mixing if you have time, because they oxidize slowly and stay brighter when they're fresh cut.
  • If your tomatoes are watery, cut them an hour ahead and let them sit in a colander so some of the juice drains out and doesn't waterlog the salad.
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