This tabbouleh salad recipe combines fresh parsley, mint, bulgur, tomato, and lemon into a vibrant Mediterranean herb salad full of brightness and texture. Simple ingredients create bold flavor with refreshing balance.

This tabbouleh salad recipe works beautifully as a side dish, light meal, or accompaniment to grilled meats and Mediterranean spreads.

How to Make Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

To make tabbouleh salad, finely chop parsley and mint while preparing bulgur until tender but not overly soft. Proper texture is essential for authentic tabbouleh.

Preparing Fresh Herbs and Bulgur

Lemon juice brightens the herbs while olive oil adds richness and balance. As a result, seasoning should remain fresh and vibrant rather than heavy.

Balancing Lemon and Olive Oil

Tomatoes contribute sweetness and moisture, while fresh herbs provide the salad’s signature character. Careful ingredient balance keeps the dish refreshing and light.

Tabbouleh Salad

Philip Sauer

Tabbouleh is a bright, herb-forward Mediterranean salad made with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil. Light, vibrant, and deeply refreshing, this traditional tabbouleh balances rich mezze dishes beautifully and brings fresh garden flavor to any Mediterranean table.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Supporting Cast

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 8 people

Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup fine bulgur wheat
• 4 firm Roma tomatoes very finely chopped
• 1 English cucumber hothouse cucumber, very finely chopped
• 2 bunches parsley part of the stems removed, washed and well-dried, very finely chopped
• 12-15 fresh mint leaves stems removed, washed, well-dried, very finely chopped
• 4 green onions white and green parts, very finely chopped
• Salt
• 3-4 tbsp lime juice lemon juice, if you prefer
• 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Romaine lettuce leaves to serve optional

Instructions

 

• Wash the bulgur wheat and soak it in water for 5-7 minute. Drain very well (squeeze the bulgur wheat by hand to get rid of any excess water). Set aside.
• Very finely chop the vegetables, herbs and green onions as indicated above. Be sure to place the tomatoes in a colander to drain excess juice.
• Place the chopped vegetables, herbs and green onions in a mixing bowl or dish. Add the bulgur and season with salt. Mix gently.
• Now add the the lime juice and olive oil and mix again.
• For best results, cover the tabouli and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. If you like, serve the tabouli with a side of pita and romaine lettuce leaves, which act as wraps or “boats” for the tabouli.
• Other appetizers to serve next to tabouli salad:Hummus; Baba Ganoush; or Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Notes

• • The finer you chop the vegetables, the better. See additional tips above.
  • To serve a smaller crowd, simply cut the recipe in half.
  • You can keep tabouli refrigerated in a tight-lid container for 2 days or so. It’s important to try and drain some of the juice out before refrigerating leftover tabouli.

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Tabbouleh salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, hummus, pita, and Mediterranean spreads. Its freshness and simplicity make it a timeless favorite for warm-weather meals and gatherings.

Explore more Mediterranean recipes.

Try additional fresh salads and side dishes.

Learn more about traditional Lebanese tabbouleh preparation.

Authentic tabbouleh depends heavily on fresh herbs and careful knife work. Finely chopping parsley and mint creates the light texture that defines the salad, while bulgur adds subtle body without overpowering the herbs. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of olive oil. Because the ingredients are simple, quality and freshness become especially important for achieving authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Tabbouleh salad also works well for meal prep because the flavors continue developing as the ingredients rest together. Serve chilled for the most refreshing texture and flavor.

Tabbouleh salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hummus, warm pita, and other Mediterranean dishes. Its bright flavor and fresh herbs make it especially popular during warmer months and casual gatherings.