Tabbouleh is a fresh, healthy salad from the Middle East made mostly from finely chopped parsley, with bulgur wheat (cracked wheat grains), tomatoes, onions, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil. The parsley is the main ingredient, giving the dish its bright green color and fresh taste.

The salad originated in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria, where people have been making it for centuries. Today you'll find tabbouleh throughout the Middle East and in Mediterranean restaurants around the world. It's popular partly because it tastes light and refreshing, especially on hot days, and partly because it's genuinely good for you: packed with vitamins, fiber, and nourishing ingredients.

What makes tabbouleh different from many other salads is its texture. The bulgur wheat soaks up the lemon juice and becomes tender but still slightly chewy. Combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the soft herbs, every bite has interesting contrasts. Some families guard their tabbouleh recipes carefully, adjusting the proportions of parsley to bulgur or adding their own special touches. When served at a meal, it often appears alongside other dishes like hummus, falafel, or grilled meat.