Taboule salad is a dish that can often be found at Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants. Variations on the spelling of this word exist including tabouleh and tabouli. However it’s spelled, taboule salad makes a wonderful side dish for a variety of meals. A bowlful of well chilled, taboule salad makes a wonderful addition to the picnic basket or as a side dish to a summer barbecue.
Ingredients for the Taboule Salad
- 5.25 ounces bulgur wheat
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber – peeled, and cubed
- 4 ounces feta cheese – crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil – chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt – optional
Directions for the Taboule Salad
- Place the bulgur wheat into a large bowl.
- Stir in one cup boiling water.
- Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for ½ hour.
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator.
- Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and add to the bowl along with the cucumber, feta cheese, basil and salt.
- Mix until well blended.
- Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator until well chilled, for at least one hour.
Notes and Variations
Although basil is called for in this recipe, variations can be made by substituting mint or parsley for the basil. If desired, a combination of all three herbs can be used for a unique flavor variation. Feta cheese is quite salty on its own. Taste the salad after adding the feta, to determine if additional salt is needed.
If plain bulgur can’t be found, look for a taboule wheat salad mix in the grocery store. Taboule salad mixes contain a premeasured amount of bulgur along with a seasoning packet. The seasoning packet should be discarded as it contains an excessive amount of salt, along with dried herbs and preservatives. Using fresh herbs and all natural ingredients is crucial to creating a delicious taboule salad.
Additional Garnishes
Taboule salad can be served buffet style to allow guests to add additional ingredients as desired. Add small bowls of sliced black olives, chopped bell pepper, shredded carrots, green onions, lemon wedges and additional feta cheese along the buffet or dining room table. Guests can choose which flavor enhancements to add to their individual bowls of taboule salad. Pita bread or bagel chips also make a fantastic accompaniment to this dish. Serve taboule during the summer, as a nice change of pace from the ubiquitous potato and pasta salads that frequently show up at this time of year.