Bulgur Wheat Salad
Bulgur Wheat Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. It combines fluffy bulgur wheat with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a refreshing choice for lunch or dinner. This salad is versatile, simple, and packed with flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
This Bulgur Wheat Salad is not only tasty but also nutritious. Bulgur wheat is high in fiber and protein, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cooking, perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep. You can enjoy it as a side dish or a main meal. Plus, this salad is great for sharing with family and friends at gatherings.
How to Make Bulgur Wheat Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (or extra tomato paste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Place the bulgur in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot water over the bulgur, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 15 minutes until softened.
- Fluff the bulgur with a fork.
- Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. Mix thoroughly to coat the bulgur.
- Stir in the green onions, cucumber, tomato, parsley, and mint.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally over lettuce leaves.
How to Serve Bulgur Wheat Salad
You can serve Bulgur Wheat Salad as a main dish or a side salad. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light, healthy meal. If you like, serve it over fresh lettuce leaves for an extra touch.
How to Store Bulgur Wheat Salad
To store Bulgur Wheat Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. The flavors may even improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish!
Tips to Make Bulgur Wheat Salad
- Be sure to use hot water for the bulgur to soften it properly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more crunch.
- If you want more protein, you can add cooked chickpeas or feta cheese.
Variations
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like olives, nuts, or dried fruits like raisins. Adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand; dill or cilantro can also work well.
FAQs
1. Is bulgur wheat gluten-free?
No, bulgur wheat contains gluten. If you have gluten sensitivity, consider using quinoa or rice instead.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. How long does bulgur wheat take to cook?
Bulgur wheat is quick-cooking. For fine bulgur, it usually takes about 15 minutes to soften when soaked in hot water.
Feel free to enjoy this easy and tasty Bulgur Wheat Salad any day of the week!
