Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Tabbouleh Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, this light and nutritious salad is perfect for any occasion.

What is Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad?

Ina Garten’s Tabbouleh Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. It features finely chopped fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and nutty bulgur wheat tossed with a tangy dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice. The balance of flavors makes it a refreshing and healthy salad, ideal for warm days or as part of a Mediterranean meal.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Burst of Freshness – The combination of fresh parsley, mint, and lemon juice creates a bright and invigorating taste.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad is a wholesome addition to any meal.
• Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s a hassle-free recipe that comes together quickly.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This salad stays fresh for days, making it a great option for advance meal preparation.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a side dish, stuffing for pita bread, or as a topping for grilled meats.
• Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free (with a substitute) – Swap bulgur with quinoa for a gluten-free version while keeping the same delicious taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup finely chopped cucumber
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Soak the bulgur – Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Let it sit for 30 minutes until softened.
• Fluff and drain – Use a fork to fluff the bulgur and drain any excess water if needed.
• Chop the vegetables – Finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
• Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
• Prepare the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix everything together – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
• Chill before serving – Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Pair with grilled meats – Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a well-balanced meal.
• Stuff in pita bread – Fill a warm pita with tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel for a delicious wrap.
• Top with feta cheese – Sprinkle crumbled feta for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables – Enjoy as a side with roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Accompany with hummus and dips – Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki for a Mediterranean feast.
• Use as a grain bowl base – Add chickpeas, olives, and avocado for a hearty meal bowl.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Choose fine bulgur for best texture – Opt for fine bulgur as it absorbs water quickly and blends well with herbs.
• Drain excess moisture from tomatoes – Prevent sogginess by removing excess liquid from chopped tomatoes before mixing.
• Chop herbs finely for even distribution – Finely chopped parsley and mint ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.
• Let the flavors meld before serving – Allowing the salad to rest enhances the taste and improves texture.
• Adjust seasoning as needed – Taste and tweak the lemon juice, salt, and olive oil according to your preference.
• Make it gluten-free with quinoa – Replace bulgur with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free variation without losing authenticity.
• Store leftovers properly for freshness – Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain its crispness.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Add pomegranate seeds for a sweet twist – Enhance the salad with juicy pomegranate for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Mix in chickpeas for added protein – Incorporate chickpeas to make the dish more filling and protein-rich.
• Use couscous instead of bulgur – Substitute bulgur with couscous for a different texture and quick preparation.
• Include avocado for creaminess – Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and boosts the nutritional value.
• Spice it up with sumac – A dash of sumac adds a tangy depth that complements the fresh flavors.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store the salad in a sealed container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
• Keep dressing separate if making ahead – Prevent sogginess by storing the dressing separately and mixing before serving.
• Avoid freezing for best texture – Freezing alters the texture of fresh herbs, making the salad less appealing.
• Stir before serving to redistribute flavors. Mix well after storing to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad

• Enjoy cold for best taste – Tabbouleh is best served chilled, so reheating is usually not necessary.
• Let it sit at room temperature before serving – If refrigerated, allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before eating.
• Refresh with extra lemon juice and olive oil – Add a splash of lemon juice and olive oil to revive the flavors after refrigeration.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad?

Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad takes about 15 minutes to preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes to allow the bulgur to soak and soften. This resting time helps absorb flavors and ensures the perfect texture.

Can I make Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free by substituting bulgur wheat with quinoa. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, let it cool, and use it in place of bulgur while following the same recipe steps.

What is the best way to store Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad?

Store Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, mix well before serving and add a splash of lemon juice and olive oil to refresh the flavors.

Can I prepare Ina Garten Tabbouleh Salad in advance?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Prepare it a day in advance, but for the best texture, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tabbouleh Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors.

With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this tabbouleh recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Try it today and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table!

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