Tabouli, a delicious and refreshing Mediterranean salad, consists of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for your next barbecue or family gathering. Follow these twelve simple steps to make a flavorful and healthy tabouli salad.

1. Gather your ingredients: you’ll need 1 cup of bulgur wheat, 2 cups of boiling water, 3 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, bunches of fresh parsley and mint, 4 green onions (also called scallions), juice of 2 lemons, ⅓ cup of olive oil, salt and pepper.

2. Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water to remove any impurities. Drain well in a fine mesh sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth.

3. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed bulgur wheat and boiling water. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap and allow the mixture to sit for 20-30 minutes. The bulgur will absorb the water and become tender.

4. While the bulgur is soaking, prepare your vegetables by finely chopping the tomatoes and cucumber into small pieces. Set them aside for later.

5. Chop the parsley and mint finely as well as the green onions; set them aside as well.

6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.

7. Once the bulgur wheat has absorbed all the water and has softened (it should be a fluffy texture), drain any excess liquid by pressing it through a fine mesh strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth.

8. Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions to the bowl of drained bulgur wheat.

9. Add the chopped parsley and mint to your salad as well.

10. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil mixture over the top of your tabouli, folding gently until everything is combined.

11. Season your tabouli with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

12. Cover and refrigerate your tabouli salad for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature with pita bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a nutritious and delightful tabouli salad! This versatile dish is a delicious way to incorporate whole grains into your diet while enjoying the fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Share your homemade tabouli with friends and family, or save it as a convenient meal prep option for the week ahead.