Tabbouleh Salad

Fresh Bulgur and Mint Salad – An Explosion of Flavors and Vitamins

Who doesn't love a vitamin-packed salad to refresh those hot summer days? Today, I present to you a delicious salad recipe with bulgur, mint, and fresh vegetables that not only looks wonderful but is also full of nutrients. This salad is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course on warm days. I assure you that once you taste it, it will become a staple recipe in your menu!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Soaking bulgur time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 75 g bulgur wheat
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 4 chopped green onions
- 2-3 large tomatoes (or 6-8 cherry tomatoes) sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste (I personally omit pepper, but you do as you prefer)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the bulgur. Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for one hour. Here’s an important tip: the bulgur should not be too soft. The goal is for it to become slightly softer and absorb the flavors of the ingredients.

2. After an hour, drain the bulgur well, then, to remove excess water, squeeze it between your palms. This step is essential to achieve a well-balanced salad without being watery.

3. In a large bowl, add the drained bulgur, chopped parsley, fresh mint, green onions, and sliced tomatoes. These ingredients bring a combination of colors and flavors that are simply irresistible.

4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the lemon juice. This simple dressing will add freshness to the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix so that all the ingredients combine harmoniously.

5. Season with salt and, if desired, with pepper to taste. Here you have the freedom to adjust the spices according to your preferences. I recommend starting with a small amount and tasting to reach the perfect blend.

6. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and combine, giving you an even richer tasting experience.

Helpful tips:
- If you can’t find bulgur, you can use couscous, which will add a slightly different texture but is just as delicious.
- Make sure to use fresh mint, as it is the magic ingredient that transforms the salad. Its flavors are essential and add an extra touch of freshness.
- This salad is extremely versatile! You can add fresh cucumbers for a crunchy note or green garlic for a stronger taste.

Nutritional benefits:
- Bulgur wheat is an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and maintains gut health.
- Parsley and mint are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, possessing antioxidant properties.
- Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is beneficial for heart health.

Pairings and suggestions:
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or baked fish, but you can also enjoy it alongside pita and hummus. Additionally, for a vegetarian meal, add cooked chickpeas or avocado for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

In conclusion, this fresh bulgur and mint salad is an excellent choice for sunny days, bringing not only a splash of freshness but also a wealth of health benefits. I encourage you to make it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!