Tabbouleh – A Traditional Middle Eastern Vegetarian Salad

Tabbouleh – A Recipe for You!

Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, crushed mint, fine bulgur (burghul), chopped green onions, extra virgin olive oil, lime/lemon juice, and salt.

Burghul is an alternative form of bulgur. Bulgur is a whole grain made from precooked and dried wheat, which makes bulgur a tremendously healthy fast food for quick side dishes, soups, or salads, such as tabbouleh. Health fact: Bulgur has more fiber than quinoa, oats, millet, buckwheat or corn (Source: wholegrainscouncil.org).

One of the many aspects of being in this profession is mentoring future registered dietitian nutritionists. I had the privilege of having Nora Zamzam intern with me and she shared her traditional family favorite recipe.

Bon Appétit! If you like visuals, watch the video below.

Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of parsley
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 green onion strands
• 2 limes (or lemons)
• ¾ cup bulgur (burghul) fine cracked wheat
• 1 tablespoons crushed dried mint (or 2 tablespoons fresh mint)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Squeeze juice of 2 limes/lemons onto bulgur (burghul). Set aside to soak (for a minimum of 20-25 minutes).
2. Chop 2 bunches of parsley finely and place in large bowl.
3. Dice tomatoes and chop green onions finely. Add to parsley.
4. Add salt and olive oil.
5. Add bulgur (burghul) and crushed mint. Mix ingredients thoroughly.
6. Serve alone or on a leaf of lettuce.

Makes 6 servings. Nutrition info per serving:
240 calories,  3g protein,  19g fat  (2.5g sat fat),  17g carbs, 5 grams fiber, 410mg sodium

 Tabbouleh Salad Video

Thanks to Nora Zamzam for the recipe, photos, and assistance in preparing the video.

Jennifer Neily, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Wellcoach® Certified Health Coach
http://NeilyonNutrition.com
@JenniferNeily