Armenian Bulgur Salad with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 cup (185g) bulgur 1 cup (185g) bulgur
• 2 cups (470ml) boiling water 2 cups (470ml) boiling water
• 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (150g) diced cucumbers 1 cup (150g) diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced red onions 1/2 cup (75g) diced red onions
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the bulgur in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed the water.
2. 2.
   Fluff the bulgur with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
3. 3.
   Once the bulgur has cooled, add the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, mint, and cilantro to the bowl.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgur — Make sure to use fine or medium-grain bulgur for this recipe, as it cooks quickly and has a pleasant texture.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you don't have access to all the herbs mentioned, you can adjust the quantities or substitute with your favorite herbs.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top of the salad before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together, so it's a great make-ahead dish.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes.
• If you want to make it a heartier meal, you can add some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Armenian Bulgur Salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It also makes a delicious and satisfying light lunch when paired with some crusty bread or pita.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and herbs to shine through.