Red Bean Olive Pistachio Tabbouleh
A vibrant and protein-packed Mediterranean salad featuring nutty bulgur, earthy red beans, briny olives, crunchy pistachios, and loads of fresh herbs. It’s refreshing yet hearty — perfect as a light main, side dish, or part of a mezze spread.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook (bulgur): 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup fine bulgur wheat (or quinoa for gluten-free)
1 cup cooked red beans (or canned, rinsed & drained)
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted & chopped
⅓ cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes, diced small
1 small cucumber, diced small
4 green onions, sliced thin
For the dressing:
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the bulgur
Place bulgur in a bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over it.
Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork. (If using quinoa, cook as per package directions.)
2. Mix the base
In a large salad bowl, combine parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
3. Add the proteins & crunch
Stir in red beans, olives, and pistachios.
4. Make the dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Toss the salad
Add bulgur to the bowl, pour dressing over, and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill & serve
Let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes & Tips
Swap red beans with chickpeas or black beans for variety.
Toast pistachios lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor.
If you like it tangier, add a splash of pomegranate molasses.
This keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days — great for meal prep.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just add the pistachios right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Q: What can I serve it with?
Grilled chicken, fish, falafel, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita.
Nutrition information
Calories: 320
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 9g