Lemon adds a touch of summer to bulgur salad
This is a Mediterranean twist on a classic Middle Eastern bulgur wheat salad, with very approachable flavors.
It can be served as a side dish or a main course, and even as part of a creative appetizer or meze spread.
It’s also a great portable dish, perfect for bringing to a potluck or serving outside for a Fourth of July get-together.
In this recipe, the bulgur “cooks” by soaking in liquid, absorbing fresh lemon juice along with the water. That really brightens up the earthy flavor (know going in that you need two hours to get the bulgur soft).
It’s a great dish to keep in the front of your mind during the summer months when ripe tomatoes, cucumbers and fat bunches of herbs are readily available. This recipe is adapted from my second cookbook, “Dinner Solved!”
GREEK TABBOULEH SALAD
Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish
Pour the bulgur into a large bowl and add the hot water and lemon juice. Stir and cover. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, until the bulgur has absorbed all of the liquid, or place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Add the lemon zest, olive oil, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, and salt and pepper to the bulgur and combine well. Stir in the cucumber and tomatoes. Add the feta, olives and oregano, and toss gently to combine.
336 calories, 8 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 4 g sugars, 20 g fat (5 saturated), 17 mg cholesterol, 358 mg sodium
2015 Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc
$11.99 (reduced from $15.99 until September)
Chateau Wine & Spirits, most Giant Eagle and Kroger stores, Hausfrau Haven, the Hills Market (Worthington and Downtown), Huffman's, Northwest Wines & Spirits and Weiland’s Market
tropical-style with grapefruit and lychee scents
lychee, minerally grapiness, moderate aftertaste, refreshing acid balance.
Sourced from vineyards located in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, this dry white wine is perfect for serving chilled during hot weather (although it does show more depth as it warms up). Its relatively low alcohol level (12.5 percent) is a bonus. Great with soft cheeses, creamy pasta dishes, grilled fish, shellfish and pesto.