A refreshing Levantine salad made with fine bulgur, fresh herbs, cucumber, and tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
Main ingredients
1cupfine bulgur wheatFine bulgur recommended
1cupboiling water
1mediumEnglish cucumberDiced (peeling optional)
2mediumRoma tomatoesDiced (seed if you want less juice)
4stalksgreen onionsThinly sliced
1bunchcurly parsleyFinely chopped (flat-leaf works too)
1/4cupfresh mintChopped (optional but brightens the salad)
1/4cupolive oilExtra-virgin preferred
2tablespoonsfreshly squeezed lemon juice
1teaspoonsaltAdjust to taste
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
Preparation
Prepare the bulgur: Place 1 cup fine bulgur in a heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it. Stir, cover, and let sit 15-20 minutes until the grains are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Fluff with a fork.
Chop the vegetables and herbs: While bulgur hydrates, dice cucumber and tomatoes, slice green onions, and finely chop parsley and mint. Aim for small, even pieces so every bite has balance.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth.
Combine: Add the chopped veggies and herbs to the fluffed bulgur. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust: Check for seasoning and add more salt, lemon, or olive oil as needed.
Chill briefly: Refrigerate at least 20-30 minutes so flavors meld. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.
Notes
If the salad seems wet after sitting, drain off any excess liquid before serving to keep texture pleasant. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.