Bright & Zesty Ina Garten’s Tabbouleh Salad Recipe For Summer

Fresh herbs burst with Mediterranean charm in this vibrant tabbouleh salad that Ina Garten crafted with her elegance.

Parsley, mint, and bulgur wheat dance together in a refreshing symphony of flavors.

Light and zesty, this classic Middle Eastern dish brings a burst of sunshine to any table.

Bold lemon notes and crisp vegetables make every bite a delightful experience.

The recipe balances textures and aromatics with remarkable simplicity.

Each forkful delivers a clean, bright combination of ingredients that sing with natural goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this salad comes together, making it perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Bulghur: Hearty whole grain that provides a nutty, chewy foundation for the salad with excellent nutritional value and quick preparation.

• Scallions, Mint, Parsley: Vibrant green herbs that deliver bright, zesty flavors and create a refreshing Mediterranean essence to the dish.

• Cucumber, Tomatoes: Juicy, garden-fresh ingredients that add cool crunch, vibrant color, and light, hydrating elements to balance the grain base.

• Boiling Water, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor carriers that soften bulghur, provide tangy brightness, add richness, and create a perfectly balanced seasoning profile for the salad.

Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad: Equipment Essentials

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining bulghur and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for measuring bulghur, water, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for chopping scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, and tomatoes.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess liquid if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Wheat Preparation

Let the bulghur soak and soften by combining it with zesty liquids, allowing the grains to absorb flavors and become tender.

• Fresh Herb Explosion

Chop vibrant green scallions, fragrant mint, and crisp parsley to create a garden-fresh foundation for the salad.

• Colorful Veggie Medley

Dice juicy tomatoes and cool cucumber to add bright texture and refreshing crunch to the mix.

• Flavor Harmony

Gently fold all ingredients together, letting each component dance and mingle with tangy lemon and smooth olive oil.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator, letting the flavors develop and intensify before presenting this Mediterranean delight to eager guests.

Customization Tips for Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic quality.
• Add grilled chicken, feta cheese, or chickpeas to transform this salad into a hearty main dish.
• Toast bulghur wheat lightly in a dry pan before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and improve overall texture.
• Keep herbs separate from salad when storing to prevent wilting, and mix just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like adding za'atar spice or swapping parsley with cilantro for regional flavor variations.

Ideas for Serving Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy chicken kebabs or tender lamb chops for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that balances the salad's fresh herbs and light texture.
• Create a Mezze Platter: Arrange the tabbouleh with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a colorful and interactive dining experience that celebrates Middle Eastern flavors.
• Pack for Picnics and Lunch: Transfer the salad to a portable container for a refreshing and nutritious option that stays delicious at room temperature, perfect for outdoor gatherings or work lunches.
• Use as a Fresh Side Dish: Complement grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or as a light accompaniment to hearty main courses, adding a burst of herbaceous brightness to your plate.

How to Store Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad for Later

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store tabbouleh in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and crisp in the refrigerator.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Keep vegetables separate from bulghur until serving to maintain the salad's ideal crunch and prevent waterlogging.
• Quick Meal Prep: Chop herbs and vegetables in advance, storing them separately to assemble the salad quickly during busy weekdays.
• Boost Flavor Over Time: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, allowing herbs and seasonings to blend and intensify the taste profile.

Vibrant Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean parsley salad Tabbouleh delivers fresh herbal flavors from traditional Lebanese cuisine. Bulgur wheat, chopped herbs, and zesty lemon dressing make this light salad perfect for summer gatherings you’ll enjoy sharing.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) boiling water
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) flat-leaf parsley, chopped (1 bunch)
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh mint leaves, chopped (1 bunch)
• 1 cup (240 ml) scallions, white and green parts, minced (1 bunch)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed (2 lemons)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 3.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Wheat Preparation: Combine bulghur wheat with boiling water, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest and absorb liquids at room temperature for one hour, ensuring complete hydration and flavor infusion.
2. Vegetable Integration: Gently fold in finely chopped green onions, mint leaves, parsley, cucumber, and tomatoes. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, carefully mixing to preserve the delicate texture of the wheat and vegetables.
3. Flavor Refinement: Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more lemon juice, herbs, or salt as needed. Refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously. Serve thoroughly chilled as a vibrant side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Soak Wisely: Let bulghur wheat absorb liquid completely for 60 minutes at room temperature, ensuring perfect texture and flavor infusion.
• Chop Precisely: Finely dice vegetables to maintain delicate salad structure and prevent overwhelming wheat’s light consistency.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, lemon juice, and herbs to balance Mediterranean flavors before chilling.
• Chill for Depth: Refrigerate salad 2-3 hours to allow ingredients to marry and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg