Bulgur Salad with Carrots and Peppers

Serves 8 to 10

by Joanne Weir
from Fine Cooking
Issue 117
Last Edit Date: 4/26/2012 10:27:09 AM

Think of this salad as a heartier twist on tabbouleh, with extra veggies and tangy feta cheese crumbles.

more about:

2-1/4 cups medium-grind bulgur
Kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tbs. tahini
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup sliced carrots (1/4-inch-thick slices), steamed until crisp-tender
1 cup diced red bell peppers (1/2-inch dice)
1 cup diced peeled cucumber (1/2-inch dice)
1 cup crumbled feta
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill

Pour 3-1/2 cups boiling water over the bulgur in a medium bowl, stir, and let sit until the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Transfer the bulgur to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and toss lightly to coat. Spread bulgur on the baking sheet and cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Put the lemon juice in a small bowl and gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Whisk in the tahini. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice or olive oil as needed.

Put the cooked and cooled bulgur in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the carrots, peppers, cucumbers, feta, parsley, dill and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, and pepper, and serve.

Make Ahead Tips

The salad can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. If making ahead, let sit at room temperature so it’s not refrigerator-cold and season with more vinaigrette, salt, and pepper before serving.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 300; Fat (g): 18; Fat Calories (kcal): 160; Saturated Fat (g): 4.5; Protein (g): 7; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 11; Carbohydrates (g): 29; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 460; Cholesterol (mg): 15; Fiber (g): 7;