tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a vibrant Levantine salad primarily made of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, and a small amount of soaked bulgur wheat. It is seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, resulting in a refreshing, zesty dish that is often served as part of a mezze platter. The word is used to describe a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. It is rarely used figuratively, but it is frequently mentioned when discussing healthy, plant-based diets or Mediterranean-style dining. It is considered a light, cooling side dish, often paired with grilled meats or hummus.
In conversation
Planning a dinner party
Should we get some tabbouleh to go with the kebabs?
Should we get some tabbouleh to go with the kebabs?
Definitely, it’s the perfect fresh side for a heavy meal.
Definitely, it’s the perfect fresh side for a heavy meal.
Used to suggest a complementary side dish.
Ordering at a restaurant
Would you like to start with the hummus or the tabbouleh?
Would you like to start with the hummus or the tabbouleh?
Let's do the tabbouleh; we want something light.
Let's do the tabbouleh; we want something light.
Common choice when ordering healthy appetizers.
Examples
I brought a bowl of tabbouleh to the picnic.
I brought a bowl of tabbouleh to the picnic.
The secret to great tabbouleh is using mostly parsley rather than too much bulgur.
The secret to great tabbouleh is using mostly parsley rather than too much bulgur.
While variations exist, traditional tabbouleh relies on the acidity of fresh lemon juice to brighten the herbal profile.
While variations exist, traditional tabbouleh relies on the acidity of fresh lemon juice to brighten the herbal profile.
