Fresh Tabbouleh Salad Recipe with Zesty Lemon Dressing for Easy Healthy Meals
A vibrant and herb-packed fresh tabbouleh salad with a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for quick, healthy meals and gatherings. This recipe balances tradition and freshness with simple ingredients and bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup bulgur wheat (fine or medium grind)
- 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Place 1/2 cup bulgur in a bowl and cover with 3/4 cup cold water. Soak for about 15 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain excess water by pressing gently with a spoon or strainer.
- Rinse 2 cups flat-leaf parsley and 1/2 cup fresh mint under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly. Finely chop both herbs.
- Dice 2 medium ripe tomatoes and 1 medium peeled cucumber into small cubes. Thinly slice 3 green onions. Mince 1 small clove garlic if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the soaked bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and garlic (if using). Pour the dressing over and mix thoroughly but gently.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Notes
Soak bulgur in cold water for about 15 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy; avoid over-soaking to prevent mushiness. Finely chop parsley for best texture. Let salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Use fresh lemon juice for best taste. For gluten-free, substitute bulgur with cooked quinoa or millet. Dressing can be kept separate if prepping ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: tabbouleh, fresh salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, bulgur salad, vegan, gluten-free option, easy recipe