Tabouli Salad with Cilantro: A Fresh Twist on a Classic
This Tabouli Salad with Cilantro is a vibrant and flavorful variation of the classic Middle Eastern salad, which is traditionally made with parsley. Combining fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and nutty bulgur wheat (or a gluten-free alternative), this recipe swaps the traditional parsley for fragrant cilantro, giving it a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. This salad is a must-try and is perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or healthy snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Healthy: Packed with fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary preferences.
- Bursting with Flavor: The cilantro adds a unique, tangy twist to this classic salad.
Key Ingredients in Tabouli Salad
The beauty of Tabouli lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating its vibrant flavor:
Parsley and Cilantro: The Herbal Duo
Parsley remains the star of Tabouli, offering a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. The salad gains an additional layer of freshness when paired with cilantro, which has a bright, citrusy flavor. Cilantro, like parsley, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and adds an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste.
Bulgur Wheat: The Nutty Base
Bulgur wheat, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It’s high in fiber and contributes to the salad’s nutritional value. When preparing Tabouli, the bulgur is soaked until tender and then mixed with the herbs and vegetables.
Fresh Vegetables: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Green Onions
Tomatoes add juiciness, cucumbers bring an excellent crunch, and green onions provide a mild sharpness. These vegetables, combined with the herbs, create a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: The Tangy Dressing
The dressing, made from freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil, ties all the ingredients together. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the olive oil adds richness and smoothness, balancing the flavors.
Mint: The Cooling Accent
Mint is traditionally used in Tabouli to enhance its refreshing quality. Adding cilantro complements the mint, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tabouli Salad
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint are essential for the best flavor.
- Dice Vegetables Small: Small, uniform pieces ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust the Lemon Juice: Add more lemon juice for a tangier salad.
- Make Ahead: Tabouli tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors develop.
- Customize Grains: Substitute couscous, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for the bulgur.
Serving Suggestions
- With Protein: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel.
- As a Side Dish, Serve alongside hummus, pita bread, or kebabs.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a healthy, standalone meal.
- Taco Filling: Use as a fresh topping for tacos or wraps.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freezing is not advisable for herbs and vegetables, as this method may compromise their freshness and quality, resulting in a significant loss of flavor and nutrition.
FAQs About Tabouli Salad with Cilantro
1. Can I use parsley instead of cilantro?
You can use parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a more traditional flavor.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Use quinoa instead of bulgur wheat to make the salad gluten-free.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or avocados make great additions.
4. What if I don’t have fresh mint?
You can omit or substitute it with a smaller amount of fresh basil.
4. Is it okay to add feta cheese?
Crumbled feta can add a salty, creamy element to the salad.
5. What if I don’t like cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it and stick to the traditional parsley and mint combination.
Why This Recipe Works
The vibrant cilantro and mint flavors, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy lemon dressing make this Tabouli Salad with Cilantro a refreshing and satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Tabouli Salad with Cilantro is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, bursting with freshness and flavor. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or light meal, it will impress with its bright, herby profile. Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthy, refreshing salad that’s as easy as delicious!
Tabouli Salad with Cilantro
Equipment
- Salad bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (fine or medium grain)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- One bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- One small bunch of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional, about ¼ cup)
- 3-4 green onions, finely sliced (Option)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- One medium cucumber, finely diced (Option)
- One small red onion, finely diced (Option)
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cumin or allspice for extra flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Bulgur
- Add the bulgur wheat to a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Add 1/2 tsp olive oil and some salt. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes until the bulgur has absorbed the water and is tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
Chop the Vegetables
- While the bulgur is cooling, finely chop the cilantro, parsley, mint (if using), green onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Mix the Salad
- Add the chopped cilantro, parsley, mint, green onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in the bowl with the cooled bulgur. Mix everything well to combine.
- Season and Dress
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional ground cumin or allspice. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Let it Marinate
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Tabouli can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or as a filling for wraps.
Notes
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, you can substitute bulgur with quinoa.
- Add a pinch of sumac for a tangy twist.