If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, look no further than the classic tabouli salad recipe. This Mediterranean dish is made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Tabouli offers a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C as well as many other essential micronutrients. It’s one of those meals that are both healthy and tasty; plus it’s easy to make!
However if you’ve already had your fill of traditional tabouli or simply want to try something new then there are plenty of creative variations on this classic salad recipe available. Here are some ideas worth exploring:
One popular variation involves substituting the bulgur wheat for quinoa instead. Quinoa has become fashionable over recent years due to its high protein content compared to traditional grains like bulgur wheat which have almost zero protein content. Quinoa is also highly versatile so can be used in salads just like it would be used with any other grain or side dish – making it perfect for creating unique versions of your favorite dishes such as tabouli! The subtle nutty flavor will pair nicely with tomatoes , parsley , mint , onion , olive oil and lemon juice .
Another interesting variant swaps out the usual ingredients for more vibrant ones such as roasted corn kernels or black beans instead . Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness while adding a pleasant crunch to the salad at the same time . To create this version simply prepare all vegetables including corn (or black beans ) before roasting them in a preheated oven at 375°F until lightly browned ; about 10 minutes should do it ! Add cooked vegetables into blender along with garlic cloves , tomato paste , cumin powder & chili powder ( optional ). Blend everything together into fine paste before stirring in cooked quinoa /bulgur/rice mix ; season accordingly using sea salt & pepper ! Serve chilled garnished with fresh herbs & feta cheese .
For an extra kick why not add some feta cheese ? Feta cheese pairs perfectly in savory recipes because its tangy flavor adds depth without overpowering other flavors present . Simply crumble up some feta cheese on top off your freshly prepared tabouli salad along with chopped olives before serving ; delish ! Another great way to use feta is by chopping some up into small cubes before mixing them directly into your tabouli- quinoa mixture – giving each spoonful loads of flavor without having too much texture within each bite!
Finally one last twist involves adding fruits such as pomegranate seeds or diced apples & raisins onto your finished product right before serving – providing sweet hints throughout every single bite ! These additional elements will bring together all flavors from this Mediterranean inspired dish; giving you something different but still reminiscent toward the original taste profile .
Overall these fun variations offer an enjoyable yet healthy experience suitable for anyone seeking alternative ways of cooking their favorite recipes from scratch – namely that being our beloved classic Tabouli Salad Recipe! Whether opting for quinoa instead or adding fruits towards end – feel free experiment freely when constructing yours today.
Learn more:
What health benefits does tabouli salad offer with its fresh and nutritious ingredients?
How is tabouli salad typically served and enjoyed?