Description
Mediterranean tabbouleh celebrates fresh parsley, bulgur wheat, and crisp vegetables in a zesty lemon dressing. Refreshing herbs and tangy flavors make this Barefoot Contessa classic perfect for summer gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
- 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (1 bunch)
- 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (1 bunch)
- 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts (1 bunch)
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
- ¼ cup good olive oil
- 3 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, distribute the bulghur wheat and pour boiling water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and 1 of kosher salt. Gently stir the ingredients to ensure uniform moistening and allow the mixture to rest and absorb liquids for precisely 60 minutes at room temperature.
- After the resting period, incorporate finely chopped green onions, fragrant mint leaves, vibrant parsley, crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, an additional of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Fold the ingredients delicately to maintain the wheat’s fluffy texture and prevent crushing the vegetables.
- Taste the tabbouleh and calibrate the seasoning, introducing more salt, lemon juice, or herbs as needed to achieve a harmonious flavor profile. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their Mediterranean-inspired essence. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch accompaniment.
Notes
- Grab some ripe, firm tomatoes to get the most vibrant color and crisp texture in your tabbouleh.
- Dice vegetables into small, uniform pieces for a traditional and visually appealing presentation.
- Press out excess moisture from chopped ingredients to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
- Opt for extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg