Lebanese Tabbouleh
A vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern herb salad bursting with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
- •3 bunches flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- •1 bunch fresh mint, leaves only, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- •3 ripe medium tomatoes, finely diced
- •3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
- •1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat (#1 grind)
- •1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- •1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- •Romaine lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves for serving
Instructions
- 1
Place the fine bulgur wheat in a small bowl, rinse with water, drain thoroughly, and let it soak in the lemon juice for about 15 to 20 minutes until softened and the lemon juice is absorbed.
- 2
Wash the parsley and mint thoroughly, then dry them completely using a salad spinner followed by clean kitchen towels; any excess moisture will make the salad soggy.
- 3
Finely chop the parsley and mint using a very sharp knife to avoid bruising the herbs, discarding the thick stems.
- 4
Finely dice the tomatoes and finely chop the scallions.
- 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, scallions, and the softened bulgur.
- 6
Add the extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and ground allspice to the salad mixture.
- 7
Toss everything gently until well combined and taste to adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
- 8
Serve immediately in a bowl or scoop onto crisp romaine lettuce leaves for traditional presentation.
💡 Chef tips
- Always chop herbs with a very sharp chef's knife rather than a food processor to keep them crisp and vibrant instead of bruised and mushy.
- Do not soak the bulgur in water; soaking it in the lemon juice infuses it with bright flavor.
- Tabbouleh is best eaten fresh on the day it is made, as the salt will cause the tomatoes and herbs to release moisture over time.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished tabbouleh is bright green, herb-forward, and glistening with olive oil, offering a crisp texture and a zesty, refreshing lemon-garlic and herb flavor profile.