Celery Free Classic Tabbouleh
Bright, herby, and refreshingly light, this Lebanese-inspired grain salad is built almost entirely on fresh parsley and mint, making it a natural fit for anyone navigating celery sensitivities. The base is fine bulgur wheat soaked in lemon juice rather than boiled, which keeps the grains tender without turning them mushy. Ripe tomatoes are salted and drained before everything comes together, so the final dish stays vibrant and never watery. A whisper of ground allspice and cinnamon gives the dressing a warmth that sets it apart from simpler herb salads. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so there's no guesswork about what's hiding in the bowl. Scoop it up with crisp romaine leaves for a little extra crunch, or serve it alongside grilled proteins and flatbread for a full spread. It's the kind of dish that tastes even better after a short rest, so it's perfect for making just ahead of when you need it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- ¼ cup fine bulgur wheat
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (about 10 oz total), cored and finely diced
- 3 cups flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, very finely chopped (from about 2 large bunches)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, very finely chopped
- 4 scallions (green and light green parts only), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
For serving
- romaine lettuce leaves, for scooping (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the bulgur in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse briefly under cold water. Transfer to a small bowl, pour over 1 tbsp of the lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and stir to combine. Let the bulgur soak at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, until the grains are just tender and have absorbed the liquid.
- 2
While the bulgur soaks, place the diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then tilt the bowl and spoon off any excess tomato liquid that has pooled.
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