Pistachio Free Classic Tabbouleh
Fresh, herby, and bright with lemon, this Lebanese-inspired grain salad is one of those dishes that tastes even better the longer it sits. The base is fine bulgur wheat soaked in lemon juice rather than boiled, which keeps the grains tender without turning them mushy — a small technique that makes a big difference. Mountains of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley and fresh mint do the heavy lifting here, giving every bite a clean, vibrant flavor that feels light but genuinely satisfying. Warm spices like allspice and cinnamon add a subtle depth that sets this apart from any sad, underdressed version you may have had before. Because the ingredient list is built entirely around fresh produce, grains, and pantry staples, there are no hidden nut-based oils or cross-contamination concerns to stress over. Serve it straight from the bowl or scoop it up with crisp romaine leaves for a little extra crunch. It's the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
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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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