There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a bowl of vibrant, herb-filled tabbouleh salad during the warm summer months. Bursting with fresh ingredients like parsley, mint, and juicy tomatoes, this Mediterranean classic is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, tabouleh is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing addition to your summer meals.
Why This Tabbouleh Salad Works?
Fresh & Flavorful
A mix of fresh herbs and vegetables, combined with a hint of lemon and olive oil, makes this salad zing with flavor. It’s a true celebration of summer produce.
Light & Healthy
Tabouleh is naturally gluten-free (when made with quinoa or a gluten-free grain), full of vitamins, and light enough to enjoy on a hot day.
Quick & Easy
It’s ready in just 15 minutes, and the best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment to make it.
Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad Summer Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
-
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
-
1 large cucumber, diced
-
2 medium tomatoes, diced
-
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
-
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (or bulgur wheat)
-
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
-
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
-
Start by chopping the parsley, mint, cucumber, and tomatoes. The key to a great tabouleh is finely chopping the herbs to maximize flavor and texture.
-
If you’re using quinoa, cook it ahead of time and let it cool. If you’re using bulgur wheat, soak it in water for 10–15 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine the Salad:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and quinoa (or bulgur). Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
3. Dress the Salad:
-
Drizzle the olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything together until well combined. If you like, let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
4. Serve:
-
Serve your tabbouleh as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, falafel, or as a light meal on its own. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy outdoors during the summer.
Pro Tip: For extra precision when chopping your herbs, consider using herb scissors. They allow you to quickly cut herbs into small, uniform pieces without bruising them, keeping all those vibrant flavors intact. If you’re making tabbouleh in larger quantities, they’re a huge time-saver and will keep your herbs looking perfect for salads like this one!