Fresh Tabbouleh salad with couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint.

Tabbouleh Recipe: A Refreshing and Healthy Middle Eastern Salad

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If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and flavorful salad, tabbouleh is thtabbouleh ri

What is Tabbouleh?

Tabbouleh is a traditional Levantine salad, often served as a part of meze platters in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a light and vibrant dish with the perfect balance of textures and flavors. With its refreshing taste, it’s an ideal addition to any meal, or simply as a healthy snack. Whether you’re a vegan or not, tabbouleh is

Why Yo

Tabbouleh is incredibly nutritious, as it’s packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and whole grains. It’s also very versatile – you can easily modify it to your taste, adding more veggies or extra herbs. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free (if you use quinoa instead of couscous), and it’s full of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

Ingredients for the Best Tabbouleh

Here’s everything you need to make the most delicious and authentic tabbouleh:

  • 200g of fine couscous (or bulgur wheat for a traditional version)
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 small red onion (optional but adds flavor)
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley (flat-leaf, finely chopped)
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint (finely chopped)
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Couscous

Start by placing the couscous in a large mixing bowl. Pour about

200ml of boiling water over the couscous. Stir, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Once it’s done, fluff it up with a fork to separate the grains.

2. Chop the Vegetables

While the couscous is cooling, dice the tomatoes and cucumber. If you’re using onion, finely chop it as well. You can also remove the seeds from the tomatoes if you prefer a less watery tabbouleh.

3. Chop the Herbs

Wash and finely chop the fresh parsley and mint. These fresh herbs are what give the tabbouleh its vibrant, refreshing flavor, so don’t skip them!

4. Mix the Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion to the couscous. Toss in the parsley and mint as well. Gently mix everything until the ingredients are well distributed.

5. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a final toss.

6. Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dish a cool, refreshing taste. Serve the tabbouleh chilled as a salad, side dish, or light main course.

Tips for the Perfect Tabbouleh

  1. Use fresh ingredients: The key to a delicious tabbouleh is fresh, high-quality herbs and vegetables. Try to use freshly picked parsley and mint for that bright, zesty flavor.
  2. Adjust the dressing: If you love lemon, feel free to add more. Some people also enjoy adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
  3. Gluten-free option: If you’re avoiding gluten, replace the couscous with quinoa for a similar texture and flavor. Quinoa is also a great source of protein!

Health Benefits of Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh isn’t just tasty – it’s incredibly healthy too. Here are some of its key benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamins: Thanks to the tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, tabbouleh is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, all of which contribute to a healthy immune system and glowing skin.
  • High in Fiber: The couscous (or quinoa) adds a significant amount of fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
  • Healthy Fats: The olive oil dressing is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Tabbouleh Variations

While the classic tabbouleh recipe is already delicious, feel free to experiment with different ingredients:

  • Add more veggies: Try adding bell peppers, radishes, or even
  • Add protein:
  • Spice it up: Fo

Fin

Tabbouleh is a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful dish that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a picnic, or a party, it’s sure to be a hit. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s also so easy to make. This tabbouleh recipe i

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