• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Renana's Kitchen - Kosher Food Blog With Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Parve Desserts
  • Holidays
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Bulgur Salad

    Published: Nov 26, 2019 · Modified: Sep 28, 2023 · by Renana · I may get commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Home » Recipes » Salads » Bulgur Salad

    Bulgur salad is the excellent canvas to showcase an array of fresh vegetables, herbs, protein sources, and flavorful dressings. Whether you're looking for a light side dish, a hearty meal, or a refreshing potluck contribution, bulgur salad is a go-to option.

    bulgur salad in a bowl

    What is bulgur?

    Bulgur is a common ingredient in a Middle Eastern cuisine. This wholesome grain, made from cracked wheat kernels, is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Bulgur has a nutty flavor and a satisfying chewy texture, making it a perfect base for salads. Usually we make tabbouleh salad with bulgur but this salad is a bit different.

    Being a cereal and a whole grain makes the bulgur very filling and this salad can even be considered a meal because you will feel very full after eating it. How many salad recipes do you know that can do that?!

    Bulgur salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. One of the great advantages of bulgur salad is its ease of preparation. With just a few simple steps, you can create a vibrant and satisfying salad bursting with flavors. It's a wonderful way to incorporate whole grains and nutrient-rich ingredients into your diet, providing you with essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    How to cook bulgur?

    The bulgur is parboiled and doesn’t need to be cooked. The only preparation you need to do in order to consume it is soak it in water. Easy enough!

    In this salad recipe, I was inspired by this recipe who used carrot juice instead of water to soak the bulgur and I wanted to try and soak it in beet juice. It gave the bulgur a very nice pink color and a great taste! With this method, you can use any juice you prefer to soak the bulgur. This is the time to be creative! ☺

    bulgur salad ingredients

    Ingredients, process and tools

    To complete the salad, I added cucumbers, carrots, yellow peppers, parsley and pomegranate seeds. The outcome is full of color and taste!

    The salad looks so pretty and can also be a festive dish for a holiday meal too. To cut the carrots into thin sticks, I used a mandolin slicer and for parsley, I used herb scissors. Of course you can simply use a knife to cut them but with these tools the vegetables look better in the salad and the carrot specifically tastes better, in my opinion, when it’s cut to sticks instead of big chunks.

    bulgur soaked in beet juice in a bowl

    Tips to make a delicious and flavorful bulgur salad

    Add a variety of vegetables

    I used cucumbers, carrots, bell pepper and pomegranate. Any other vegetable that you like can be added to this salad. Some popular choices include cherry tomatoes, red onions or radishes.

    Include herbs and greens

    I used parsley but any fresh herbs and greens can elevate the flavors of your salad. Consider adding chopped mint, cilantro, or basil to enhance the taste. Additionally, you can mix in baby spinach, arugula, or mixed salad greens for added nutritional value.

    Include protein

    To make your bulgur salad more substantial, add a protein source like cooked chickpeas, lentils, grilled chicken, roasted tofu, boiled eggs, or make it dairy with crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients will make your salad more satisfying and balanced.

    Dressing

    I made a simple dressing using olive oil, honey, lemon, salt and pepper. You can also experiment with different dressings like a tangy vinaigrette, yogurt-based dressing, or tahini sauce for added variety.

    Garnish creatively

    Consider adding some final touches to your bulgur salad by garnishing it with toasted nuts, seeds (such as sunflower or sesame seeds), crumbled cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

    bulgur salad chopped ingredients

    FAQS

    What is bulgur?

    Bulgur is a whole grain that is made from cracked wheat kernels. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.

    Is bulgur gluten-free?

    No, bulgur is not gluten-free as it is made from wheat. Individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should avoid bulgur and opt for gluten-free grains instead.

    Can I make bulgur salad in advance?

    Yes, bulgur salad can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after marinating for some time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You may need to refresh the flavors with a little extra dressing before serving.

    How long does bulgur salad last in the refrigerator?

    Bulgur salad can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. However, this may vary depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. Always use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

    Can I substitute bulgur with another grain?

    If you cannot find or do not have bulgur, you can substitute it with other grains like quinoa, couscous, or even rice. Keep in mind that each grain has its own texture and cooking time, so adjustments may be needed for the recipe.

    Other salad recipes you should try:

    • Corn Salad in a bowl
      Summer Corn Salad (with mayo)
    • Quinoa Salad in a bowl
      Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad
    • pasta salad in a bowl
      Easy Pasta Salad
    • Seaweed Salad in a bowl
      Seaweed Salad

    For all my salad recipes, check out my salad recipe index.

    Make this bulgur salad today!

    Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean flavors, looking to explore new taste profiles, or seeking a wholesome and filling meal, bulgur salad is sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that come together in a refreshing bowl of bulgur salad.

    bulgur beet salad in a bowl

    Bulgur Salad

    Colorful healthy and yummy salad. Looks unique and festive and can be added to any holiday meal. Whether you're looking for a light side dish, a hearty meal, or a refreshing potluck contribution, bulgur salad is a go-to option.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Soaking time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup bulgur
    • Beet juice to cover the bulgur (~¼ cup)
    • 2 carrots cut to thin sticks
    • 1 yellow pepper
    • 2 cucumbers
    • Bundle of parsley
    • ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds

    For the dressing:

    • 4 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • Lemon juice of half a lemon
    • Salt and pepper by your taste

    Instructions
     

    • In a bowl, place the bulgur and cover with the beet juice.
    • Place the bowl in the fridge for 1-2 hours so the bulgur will soak up the liquid.
    • Cut all vegetables.
    • Add vegetables to the bulgur bowl.
    • Add pomegranate seeds to the bowl.
    • In a small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients.
    • Pour over salad and mix well.
    • Dig in and enjoy!
    Keyword bulgar salad, Bulgur Recipes, bulgur salad, bulgur wheat recipe, bulgur wheat salad, mediterranean bulgur recipe, pomegranate salad recipe, salad with pomegranate
    bulgur salad bowl
    bulgur beet salad on a tablespoon

    More Salad Recipes

    • Jewish Thanksgiving
    • Israeli Salad in a bowl
      Israeli Salad
    • Green Pear Salad in a serving dish
      Pear Feta Salad
    • cabbage salad in a bowl
      Simple Cabbage Salad With Dressing

    Filed Under: Dinner, Hanukah, Holidays, Purim, Rosh HaShanah, Salads, Shavuot, Sukkot, Tu BiShvat Tagged With: Beet

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar



    Renana Spiegel Levkovich

    Hello!

    I'm Renana and I share kosher recipes for Shabbat, yummy parve desserts, and Jewish holiday recipes - and so much more. I share easy kosher recipes for the whole family, along with some pretty great photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Enjoy!

    Contact me for any question →


    Parve Desserts

    red and green apple near a bowl of honey

    23 Best Rosh Hashanah Desserts

    Gluten-free Carrot Cake on a marble surface

    Gluten Free Carrot Cake

    apple honey cookies on a white surface

    Apple Cookies

    2 Zebra Cakes on plates

    Zebra Cake

    almond flour honey cookies

    3 Ingredient Almond Flour Cookies With Honey

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter



    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Renana's Kitchen