Turkish Red Bulgur Salad
Equipment
- Fork
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl, Large
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Bulgur Salad
- 1 cup Red Bulgur
- 2 cups Boiling Water
- 1 medium Cucumber diced
- 1 large Tomato diced
- ½ medium Red Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
- ¼ cup Fresh Mint chopped
For the Lemon Dressing
- ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
Instructions
For the Bulgur
- Place the red bulgur in a large heatproof mixing bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over the bulgur.
- Cover the bowl.
- Let the bulgur soak for 10 minutes until tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Fluff the bulgur with a fork.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
For the Lemon Dressing
- Pour the olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar into a small mixing bowl.
- Add the ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until the dressing is thoroughly combined.
For the Salad
- Add the cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and mint to the cooled bulgur.
- Stir gently until evenly combined.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad.
- Toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning when necessary.
- Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad with falafel, hummus, pita bread, grilled vegetables, chicken, lamb, or fish. It also works well as a light vegan lunch. Add chickpeas when you want a more substantial meal with extra protein.Recipe Notes
Allow the bulgur to cool completely before adding the vegetables and herbs. Warm bulgur can soften the cucumber and reduce the fresh appearance of the parsley and mint. Drain away any remaining water before assembling the salad.Variations
Add chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, roasted peppers, olives, or chopped spring onions. Feta can be added when the salad does not need to remain vegan or dairy-free. For extra heat, stir chilli flakes or finely chopped fresh chilli into the dressing.Dietary Advice
Bulgur is produced from wheat and contains gluten. This salad is therefore not gluten-free or wheat-free. Quinoa can replace the bulgur when preparing a gluten-free variation, although the cooking method and liquid quantity must be adjusted.Wine Advice
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon, tomato, mint, and parsley. A dry Rosé is another refreshing choice for serving the salad at a summer lunch or picnic.Nutrition values
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About Turkish Red Bulgur Salad
Turkish Red Bulgur Salad combines tender bulgur with cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and mint. This lemon bulgur salad is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and cumin, creating a fresh vegan dish suitable for lunch, picnics, and summer meals.
Bulgur is commonly used throughout Turkish and Middle Eastern cooking. It is made from wheat that has been parboiled, dried, and cracked into different sizes. This preparation allows fine or medium bulgur to soften quickly when covered with boiling water.
Turkish Red Bulgur Salad
Red bulgur usually receives its colour and flavour from tomato or pepper ingredients added during production. Check the package directions because the texture and required soaking time can differ between brands. Some coarse varieties may require simmering rather than soaking.
For this recipe, pour two cups of boiling water over one cup of bulgur. Cover the bowl to retain the heat and let it stand for approximately 10 minutes. Once tender, fluff the grains with a fork to separate them and release excess steam.
Cooling the Bulgur Properly
Let the bulgur cool to room temperature before adding the vegetables. Mixing cucumber, tomato, and herbs into hot grains can make them soft and dull their fresh colours. Spread the bulgur over a wide plate when you want it to cool more quickly.
If any water remains after soaking, drain it thoroughly. Excess liquid will dilute the dressing and collect at the bottom of the serving bowl. The grains should be tender but remain separate rather than becoming soft and sticky.
Lemon Bulgur Salad
The dressing for this lemon bulgur salad balances olive oil with two types of acidity. Lemon juice provides a bright citrus flavour, while red wine vinegar contributes a sharper finish. Ground cumin adds warmth without making the salad spicy.
Whisk the dressing separately so the salt dissolves and the cumin disperses evenly. Pour it over the assembled salad and toss gently. Taste the result before adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Cucumber and tomato provide moisture, colour, and freshness. Remove very watery tomato seeds when necessary to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Finely chopping the red onion distributes its sharp flavour without leaving large, overpowering pieces.
Parsley and mint are equally important. Chop them shortly before use so they retain their fragrance and colour. Flat-leaf parsley has a softer texture, but curly parsley can also be used successfully.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Serve Turkish Red Bulgur Salad alongside falafel, hummus, grilled vegetables, chicken skewers, lamb, or fish. Pita bread and a yogurt-based sauce can turn it into a larger meal. Chickpeas provide additional protein while keeping the recipe vegan.
Pomegranate seeds add sweetness and colour, while roasted peppers or olives create a deeper savoury flavour. Feta is a suitable addition when dairy ingredients are acceptable. For another fresh vegetable side dish, try our Lime Cauliflower Peanut Salad.
Gluten and Storage Advice
Bulgur is made from wheat, so this recipe is not gluten-free despite what may appear in the original classification. Quinoa is a practical alternative, but it must be cooked according to its own package instructions and cooled before mixing.
Store the salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The vegetables gradually release moisture, so stir the salad before serving. Follow current FDA safe food-handling guidance when washing, preparing, and refrigerating fresh produce.
Turkish Red Bulgur Salad offers a colourful combination of tender grains, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy cumin dressing.