Tabbouleh Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
A refreshing Levantine herb salad made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon, olive oil, and sweet-tart pomegranate arils. Light, vibrant, nutritious, and perfect as a side or light meal.
Prep: 15 minutes
Rest: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings:2-3
Ingredients
Salad Base
½ cup fine bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, finely diced
¼ cup cucumber, finely diced
3–4 spring onions OR ½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½–¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bulgur
Add bulgur to a bowl.
Pour hot water over it, cover, and let it sit 10 minutes until soft.
Drain excess water and squeeze gently to remove moisture — bulgur should be fluffy and dry.
2. Chop Herbs & Veggies
Finely chop parsley and mint (avoid large pieces — tabbouleh is all about tiny cuts).
Dice tomatoes, cucumber, and onions.
3. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, add:
soaked bulgur
parsley
mint
tomatoes
cucumber
onions
Toss gently to mix.
4. Add Dressing
Whisk together:
olive oil
lemon juice
salt
pepper
Pour over the salad and toss well.
5. Add Pomegranate
Fold in pomegranate seeds at the end to keep them bright and juicy.
Serve With
Grilled chicken or fish
Hummus + pita
Falafel
Stuffed grape leaves
Roasted veggies
Notes & Tips
Use very fine bulgur (No.1 grade) for the traditional texture.
Make sure parsley is dry before chopping, so the salad doesn’t get soggy.
Add more lemon if you want extra zing.
For a juicier salad, add tomatoes just before serving.
You can make it completely grain-free by replacing bulgur with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can it be stored?
Up to 2 days in the fridge. Add pomegranate fresh for best texture.
Q: Can I make it without bulgur?
Yes — quinoa, couscous, or even cooked millet work well.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
Only if you substitute bulgur with quinoa.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220–270
Protein: 4–6g
Carbs: 26–30g
Fat: 10–12g
Fiber: 4–6g