Xanthan Gum Free Lebanese Tabbouleh
This bright, herb-forward salad is the kind of dish that makes you want to eat with your hands — and the romaine leaves for scooping make that completely acceptable. The real star here is the parsley, used in generous, finely chopped abundance alongside fresh mint, juicy tomatoes, and scallion greens, all brought together with a punchy lemon and olive oil dressing. A whisper of allspice and cinnamon in the dressing gives it that distinctly Lebanese warmth that sets it apart from any generic grain salad. The bulgur soaks in fresh lemon juice rather than boiling water, which keeps the grains tender without turning them mushy and lets that citrus flavor sink all the way in. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of thickeners and binders — there's no need for any additives when fresh produce and good olive oil do all the work. It comes together with nothing more than a knife, a bowl, and a little patience, making it as approachable as it is impressive on the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- ¼ cup fine bulgur wheat
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), divided
- 2 bunches flat-leaf parsley (about 4 cups packed), stems removed, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 lb), seeded and finely diced
- 4 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
For serving
- romaine lettuce leaves, for scooping (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the bulgur in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice over the bulgur and toss to coat, then let it soak at room temperature for 30 minutes, until the grains are just tender and have absorbed the juice. Fluff with a fork.
- 2
While the bulgur soaks, finely chop the parsley and mint on a large cutting board, working in batches if needed, until the pieces are very small and uniform — about 1/8 inch. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
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