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Lebanon · Food

Authentic Tabbouleh

45 min
160 kcal
6 servings

By eatmundo · July 11, 2026

Authentic Tabbouleh🇱🇧AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

14 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Authentic Tabbouleh. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Cold salad33 recipes from 17 countriesSee all 14 matches

A vibrant Lebanese salad where parsley is the hero, accented by finely chopped tomatoes, mint, and a delicate touch of fine bulgur.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Authentic Tabbouleh from another cuisine is Çiğ Köfte (Türkiye): the two share 61% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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6 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Soak 50g of fine bulgur in the juice of 1 lemon for 20 minutes.

  • 2

    Finely chop 3 bunches of flat-leaf parsley by hand—do not use a processor.

  • 3

    Dice 3 firm tomatoes into very small cubes, removing excess liquid.

  • 4

    Finely mince 1 small onion and mix with a pinch of allspice.

  • 5

    Combine the parsley, tomatoes, and onion in a large chilled bowl.

  • 6

    Add the softened bulgur and 1 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves.

  • 7

    Drizzle with 60ml of extra virgin olive oil and the remaining lemon juice.

  • 8

    Toss gently with two spoons until evenly coated, avoiding bruising the herbs.

  • 9

    Season with salt to taste and serve cold, ideally inside crisp romaine lettuce leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tabbouleh?

Tabbouleh is a Levantine salad originating from Lebanon, primarily composed of finely chopped parsley, mint, onion, and bulgur. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and allspice, it is typically served as an appetizer or side dish within a mezze spread.

Should I use curly or flat-leaf parsley for authentic tabbouleh?

Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is preferred for its superior flavor and texture in this salad.

Do I need to cook the bulgur before adding it?

No, you should soak fine-grain bulgur in lemon juice or water until it is tender, rather than cooking it on the stove.

What is the secret to preventing the tabbouleh from becoming soggy?

Remove excess liquid from the diced tomatoes and ensure the washed parsley is completely dry before chopping to keep the salad fresh.

How finely should the parsley be chopped?

The parsley should be minced finely by hand using a very sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves and turning them into mush.

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