Mediterranean Bulgur Salad

Mediterranean Bulgur Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the nutty flavour of bulgur with vibrant vegetables and herbs. This recipe is simple to prepare and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavours. Here's how you can make a delicious Mediterranean Bulgur Salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup fine or medium-grind bulgur
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bulgur:

   • Place the bulgur in a heatproof bowl.
   • Pour boiling water over the bulgur, ensuring that it's fully submerged.
   • Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes or until the bulgur has absorbed the water and becomes tender.

2. Fluff the Bulgur:

   • Once the bulgur is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool to room temperature.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bulgur with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs (parsley and mint).

5. Dress the Salad:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
   • Gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

6. Chill and Serve:

   • Refrigerate the Mediterranean Bulgur Salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavours to meld.

7. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Before serving, garnish the salad with additional fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
   • Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Optional Additions and Variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or red peppers before adding them to the salad for a richer flavour.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or sesame seeds for added crunch.
• Dried Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like apricots or raisins for a hint of sweetness.

This Mediterranean Bulgur Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether served as a side dish, a light lunch, or a potluck contribution, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant colours and Mediterranean flavours.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model