Surprise guests at your next barbecue or gathering by serving a side dish that is completely unexpected! My tabbouleh salad recipe combines the best flavors of summer, and it is the perfect fare for an outdoor party, as it doesn’t have to be kept chilled. Lively lemon and mint combine with peppery parsley to create a dish that is as packed with healthy ingredients as it is with delightful summery flavor!
Summer Tabbouleh Salad
Print recipe | Serves | 12 |
| Prep time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Salad |
| Occasion | Barbecue |
Ingredients
- 2 cups bulghur wheat
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 scallions (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
- 1 cucumber (peeled, seeded and finely chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Directions
| Step 1 | |
| Place bulghur in a large bowl; pour boiling water over, along with lemon juice, olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Stir to combine. Allow to sit for an hour or so, until water is fully absorbed. Fluff bulghur with a fork. | |
| Step 2 | |
| Stir in scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber and tomatoes, tossing well to combine. Season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt, if desired. | |
| Step 3 | |
| The flavor of the salad will improve as the flavors have time to blend, so for the best flavor, cover and refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving. | |
I often make a batch of this on the weekend to eat for lunch throughout the week. This is also the perfect pairing for grilled chicken or fish!
On the lookout for another summer side dish recipe that is anything but ordinary? Check out my Creamy Curry Cole Slaw!
What is your favorite summer side dish?
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
This tabbouleh salad looks fresh and delicious! I love any summer salads with fresh ingredients and no mayo. My favorite is a salad I make with grilled corn, fresh cherry tomatoes and some feta- delicious! Thanks for the great recipe. I look forward to trying it!
Your salad sounds delicious, Lyndsay! I think I need to try that! I agree that salads sans mayo are really nice for hot summer months. Thanks for stopping in!
Just tried to make this and after 2 hours the water has hardly absorbed. Checked the bulghur package and it says to cover til absorbed. This would make a difference. Did you cover yours or am I missing something here?
Hi, Dorothy! I am so sorry for the delayed response. I have never had an issue with the liquid fully absorbing, even when left uncovered. Is it particularly humid where you live? Was the bulghur you used from a fresh package? I am sorry not to be of more help!