Easy Bulgur Salad Recipe
Bring a taste of Turkish cuisine to your table when you make this bulgur salad recipe finished with a fresh touch of probiotic yogurt. Ready to cook?
Tips Before Making Your Bulgur Salad
Understanding Bulgur Texture
When preparing bulgur wheat salad, the texture of your grains makes a difference. Fine bulgur wheat is quick to hydrate and blends smoothly with other ingredients, while whole grain bulgur offers a heartier bite and holds up well with robust vegetables. Consider the final texture you want when choosing your bulgur type.
Selecting Fresh Additions
For a vibrant and flavourful salad, combine fresh parsley, cucumber, and fresh mint with your bulgur. Adding colourful vegetables, such as tomatoes or peppers, along with fresh herbs, brings brightness and depth. For extra richness, try mixing in feta cheese, a handful of pistachio, or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Lemon juice ties everything together with a refreshing finish.
Adding a Probiotic Yogurt Twist
To give your bulgur salad a unique touch, serve it with Activia Plain Probiotic and Prebiotic Yogurt on the side or as a topping. You can also blend the yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a quick tzatziki-style sauce that pairs perfectly with the salad. This addition brings a cool flavour that complements the grains and vegetables.
Easy Bulgur Salad Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 cup fine bulgur wheat
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 cucumber, diced
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup pistachio, roughly chopped
2 tbsp. pomegranate molasses
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki-Style Yogurt Sauce:
½ cup Activia Plain Probiotic Yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and drained
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh mint, chopped
1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Cook the bulgur wheat: Place the bulgur in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Add a pinch of salt, cover, and let the bulgur soak for 10–15 minutes, until the bulgur has absorbed the water and is tender.
2. Fluff and cool: When the bulgur is tender, fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the vegetables and herbs: While the bulgur cools, dice the cucumber and chop the fresh parsley and fresh mint.
4. Combine the salad: Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cucumber, parsley, mint, feta cheese, and pistachio.
5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix the salad: Pour the dressing over the bulgur mixture and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can blend. This bulgur wheat salad is a great make-ahead dish.
8. Prepare the tzatziki-style yogurt sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Activia Plain Probiotic Yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, mint, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Serving the yogurt cold helps preserve its probiotic properties.
9. Serve: Serve the bulgur salad cold or at room temperature, topped with a generous spoonful of the tzatziki-style yogurt sauce for extra flavour.
Questions Related to the Bulgur Salad Recipe
Does bulgur need to be cooked or just soaked?
To prepare the bulgur for your salad, you can either soak or cook bulgur depending on the grain size and your preference. Fine bulgur wheat usually just needs to be soaked in hot water until tender, while whole grain bulgur or coarser types may need to be cooked, bring to a boil and simmer until the bulgur is tender.
This approach works well in this salad and also applies if you want to substitute with other grains like quinoa for variety.
What vegetables or herbs work best in bulgur salad?
Bulgur wheat salad is very versatile and pairs well with a range of fresh vegetables and herbs. Classic additions include cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, red bell pepper, green onion, and plenty of fresh dill or parsley. For extra flavour, try adding lemon zest, a pinch of cumin, or even chickpea for a heartier texture. These combinations can be made ahead for meal prep or a big batch to share.
Can I serve bulgur salad warm or cold, and how do I add the probiotic yogurt?
Bulgur salad can be enjoyed either warm or cold, making it perfect for any season. For serving, top the salad with a generous spoonful of your homemade tzatziki sauce made from Activia Plain Probiotic Yogurt. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep well for a few days, ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
This bulgur salad is easy to cook and versatile! Serve it as a side dish or a main dish. For more tasty ideas, try our Easy No-Bake Cheesecake recipe or Easy Avocado Toast Recipe.
