{"id":1537480,"date":"2020-10-09T06:45:26","date_gmt":"2020-10-09T11:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/tabouleh\/"},"modified":"2024-05-17T19:19:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-18T00:19:07","slug":"tabouleh","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/tabouleh\/","title":{"rendered":"Tabbouleh"},"content":{"rendered":"
When you hear the word “salad,” tabbouleh might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. You might think of a classic green leaf lettuce salad. Maybe there are some croutons or shaved carrots. There’s probably a simple vinaigrette<\/a> or creamy dressing.<\/p>\n I love these classic green salads and eat them all the time. But I also follow in my mom’s footsteps by often switching up my salad options. There are numerous types of salads<\/a>, each introducing different colors, textures and flavors. What’s more, simply changing up a salad can transport us to different parts of the world, right from the confines of our own homes.<\/p>\n Tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli<\/em> or tabouleh<\/em>) is a refreshing salad and a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine<\/a>. The dish most likely hails originally from Lebanon and Syria, though it’s also popular in Palestine, Egypt, Israel and beyond. Recipes vary according to regional and family traditions, particularly regarding the herb-to-grain ratio.<\/p>\n At its heart, tabbouleh is a celebration of parsley. This humble herb is the star. The co-star of the show is bulgur, a grain made of cracked wheat berries. Most tabbouleh recipes tend to also contain mint, tomatoes, some kind of onion, lemon juice, olive oil and seasonings.<\/p>\n Bulgur can be cooked on the stovetop or via a soaking method. It comes in several grain sizes, so you should follow the instructions on your package. In general, the rule of thumb is to combine a 1:2 ratio of grain to water.<\/p>\n Prepare the bulgur according to the package directions. Let cool.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Once the bulgur is cooked, run a fork through the grains to fluff them up. Then leave uncovered while you prepare the remaining ingredients.<\/p>\n Transfer the bulgur to a large bowl. Stir in the parsley, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, oil, mint, salt, pepper and cayenne.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip<\/em>: The most time-consuming part of this preparation is picking your parsley. Don’t worry if there’s a small stem here or there. They will all get incorporated into the dish, and no one will be the wiser. Our guide on how to cut basil<\/a> and other common herbs has more tips.<\/p>\n If desired, chill the tabbouleh before serving.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em>\u00a0Taste for seasoning, and add more salt or lemon juice as needed.<\/p>\n Yes, we actually recommend making this tabbouleh recipe in advance. Let the flavors marinate! They’ll be at their best after the dish sits for a few minutes (or as long as overnight). You can leave tabbouleh on the counter for up to two hours. After that, store it in the refrigerator in a covered container until you’re ready to serve.<\/p>\n Store tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for one week, but it’s best in the first couple of days.<\/p>\n Tabbouleh is always served cold or at room temperature. It’s not a salad that you want to heat. Tabbouleh goes great with most Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods, like Mediterranean chicken<\/a>, falafel<\/a>, chicken souvlaki<\/a>\u00a0or this special pear and pomegranate lamb tagine<\/a>. You don’t have to pair tabbouleh with a protein, either. It tastes great as a simple snack with some pita bread<\/a>, or as a mezze meal with hummus<\/a>, tahini<\/a> and Greek salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tabbouleh salad can get watery three ways: from the parsley, from the tomatoes or from the bulgur. Prevent watery parsley by using a sharp knife to chop, and don’t over chop it. To avoid excess tomato liquid, strain the chopped tomatoes before adding them to the bowl. Finally, make sure to strain your cooked bulgur of any excess liquid.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tabouleh, also known as tabbouleh, is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day. \u2014Michael & Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":1537481,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[305274,304032,307568,305271,304993,304998,305279,303966,304988,305004,303887,306848,304268,305369,305284,324623,307559,304313,303883,305028,305031],"categories-v2":[339206,308623,310551,308481,309216,308940,308945,308495,308935,308951,308478,309603,259483,309377,339919,309177,310541,308313,308476,308974,308975],"coauthors":[340582,50034],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-quinoa-tabbouleh\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Easy-Quinoa-Tabbouleh_EXPS_FT24_275961_ST_0403_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Shrimp Gumbo","post_link":"\/recipes\/shrimp-gumbo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Shrimp-Gumbo_EXPS_SSMZ21_47346_E10_16_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Horchata","post_link":"\/recipes\/horchata\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Horchata_exps168854_THRAA2874593B01_31_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Bola-Bola","post_link":"\/recipes\/bola-bola\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bola-Bola_EXPS_TOHD24_260488_JonathanMelendez_06.jpg"},{"post_title":"New Orleans Gumbo","post_link":"\/recipes\/new-orleans-gumbo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/New-Orleans-Gumbo_exps50751_HWS2321910A06_08_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Salsa Borracha","post_link":"\/recipes\/salsa-borracha\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_277402_ChristineMa_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Potato Stuffing","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-potato-stuffing\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Sweet-Potato-Stuffing_exps9082_TH132104C07_02_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potato Stuffing","post_link":"\/recipes\/potato-stuffing\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps4108_RM1397C49D.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Potato Pone","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-potato-pone\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Sweet-Potato-Pone_EXPS_FBMZ21_172219_B05_06_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Potato Yeast Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-potato-yeast-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps31451_TH944554D39B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sunday Gumbo","post_link":"\/recipes\/sunday-gumbo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps15765_BBS64403D84.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Potato Tartlets","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-potato-tartlets\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps43761_THCA153054C10_21_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potato Puffs","post_link":"\/recipes\/potato-puffs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps2281_13X9163826B10_28_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lentil Tabbouleh","post_link":"\/recipes\/lentil-tabbouleh\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Lentil-Tabbouleh_EXPS_TOH24_278002_RuthieDarling_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Seekh Kabobs","post_link":"\/recipes\/seekh-kabobs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Seekh-Kabob_EXPS_TOHcom24_277746_DR_11_07_11b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Louisiana Gumbo","post_link":"\/recipes\/louisiana-gumbo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Louisiana-Gumbo_EXPS_FT22_4488_ST_12_15_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potato Puff","post_link":"\/recipes\/potato-puff\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps36997_HC1154010C12_05_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Potato Puffs","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-potato-puffs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps9039_RM10002C49D.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Tabouleh_EXPS_TOHFM21_250394_E09_22_8b.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","override_recipe_video_settings":false},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/tabouleh\/","name":"Tabbouleh","datePublished":"2020-10-09","dateModified":"2024-05-17","prepTime":"PT30M","cookTime":"PT0M","totalTime":"PT30M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Tabouleh_EXPS_TOHFM21_250394_E09_22_8b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Side Dishes"],"description":"Take a break from green leaf salads, and enjoy a bright, lively tabbouleh salad. This parsley-and-bulgur salad tastes great on its own, and it pairs well with foods from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.","recipeIngredient":["1\/4 cup bulgur","3 bunches fresh parsley, minced (about 2 cups)","3 large tomatoes, finely chopped","1 small onion, finely chopped","1\/4 cup lemon juice","1\/4 cup olive oil","5 fresh mint leaves, minced","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1\/2 teaspoon pepper","1\/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the bulgur","text":"Prepare the bulgur according to the package directions. Let cool. Editor's Tip: Once the bulgur is cooked, run a fork through the grains to fluff them up. Then leave uncovered while you prepare the remaining ingredients.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Tabbouleh_TOHVS23_250394_MF_12_07_Tabbouleh_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the remaining ingredients","text":"Transfer the bulgur to a large bowl. Stir in the parsley, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, oil, mint, salt, pepper and cayenne. Editor's Tip: The most time-consuming part of this preparation is picking your parsley. Don't worry if there's a small stem here or there. They will all get incorporated into the dish, and no one will be the wiser. Our guide on how to cut basil and other common herbs has more tips.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Tabbouleh_TOHVS23_250394_MF_12_07_Tabbouleh_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Chill and serve","text":"If desired, chill the tabbouleh before serving. Editor's Tip: Taste for seasoning, and add more salt or lemon juice as needed.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Tabbouleh_TOHFM21_250394_E09_22_7bC.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"8 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Risa Lichtman"},{"@type":"Person","name":"Lindsay D. Mattison"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 100 calories","fatContent":"7g fat (1g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"0 cholesterol","sodiumContent":"164mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"9g carbohydrate (3g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges<\/b>: 1-1\/2 fat"},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"reviewCount":2,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Africa, Egyptian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern","video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"Tabbouleh","description":"Check out this video for how to make Tabbouleh","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/v2\/media\/ujfbv9Wi\/poster.jpg?width=720"],"uploadDate":"","duration":"P0DT0H0M1S","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/videos\/ujfbv9Wi-IFfy1PC6.mp4"},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-05-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Phil821"},"reviewBody":"Very good. We added cucumber, about the same amount as the onion and substituted quinoa for the bulgur wheat. Ratios were great.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-01-27","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"annrms"},"reviewBody":"Delicious! Really enjoyed the small amount of grain in the mix...so vibrant and fresh.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"title":"Tabbouleh","description":"Check out this video for how to make Tabbouleh","url":"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/videos\/ujfbv9Wi-IFfy1PC6.mp4","duration":"1m1s","mime_type":"video\/mp4","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/dam-cdn.tmb.orangelogic.com\/AssetLink\/8p0gcd4u4q2mok5tvmy7w50vtaqm566q.jpg","advertising":"","jw_id":"ujfbv9Wi","jw_url":"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/videos\/ujfbv9Wi-IFfy1PC6.mp4","jw_thmub_url":"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/v2\/media\/ujfbv9Wi\/poster.jpg?width=720","jw_publish_date":""},"rms_legacy_id":"250394","romance_copy_dek":"Take a break from green leaf salads, and enjoy a bright, lively tabbouleh salad. 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How to Cook Bulgur for Tabbouleh<\/h2>\n
\n
Tabbouleh Ingredients<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Prepare the bulgur<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Chill and serve<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Tabbouleh Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
Can you make tabbouleh in advance?<\/h2>\n
How to Store Tabbouleh<\/h2>\n
Tabbouleh Tips<\/h2>\n
How do you serve tabbouleh?<\/h3>\n
How do you prevent tabbouleh salad from getting watery?<\/h3>\n