This bulgur wheat salad is going to knock your socks off! If you’re bored of simple salads and want to try something new and exciting, this bulgur wheat recipe is perfect.
100% vegan (if you use vegan cheese!) and 100% delicious, this dish is flavourful, filling and super healthy to boot! It’s also extremely easy to make – and I’m going to show you how!
Products you need for this recipe
Before we get cracking, let’s take a look at a few items you’ll need when it comes to making bulgur wheat salad:
- Frying pan – get yourself a large, non-stick frying pan
- Tongs – great for cooking up your corn-on-the-cob
- Mixing bowl – a small bowl just doesn’t cut it when it comes to mixing up a big salad. Go for a large bowl
- Food processor – an important item when it comes to mixing up your sauce
Bulgur wheat salad recipe
There’s something so satisfying about a tasty, healthy salad. Don’t get me wrong, I love indulging in big rich dishes (I am the Greedy Gourmet, after all).
Still, when it comes to food that delivers that feel good factor, a fresh, healthy, vibrant salad takes some beating.
This dish isn’t just any old salad. It’s pretty special, if I may say so myself. The star of the dish is an emerging ingredient on the vegan scene, that’s already a favourite among many chefs and cooks throughout the UK and across the pond in the US.
Chances are, you’ve heard of bulgur wheat. Maybe you’ve tried it. Maybe it’s your favourite ingredient. Either way, you’re going to love this salad, with its wonderful blend of fresh flavours. There’s so much going on in this dish!
You can either serve it up on its own, or as a side dish alongside a main. However you serve it, the taste will blow you away.
From the charred corn, peppery spinach and the fresh cherry tomatoes to the delicious bulgur wheat, smoky paprika and bright chimichurri sauce, this bulgur wheat salad is bursting with flavour.
Goat’s cheese and herbs seal the deal. Lunch just doesn’t get any better!
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What is bulgur wheat?
This latest trendy superfood is actually made in quite a simple way. It’s made from cracked whole wheat kernels of grain, which are then par boiled and dried.
As it’s already partially cooked when you buy it, bulgur wheat is really quick to cook – you can normally have it ready in around 10 minutes.
Bulgur wheat is a favourite in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it’s used in the same way as rice or couscous.
What does bulgur wheat taste like?
Like most grains, it doesn’t have a strong taste. What flavour it does have is subtle – that’s why it’s great at soaking up flavours and complementing other flavours in the dish around it.
Bulgur wheat has a hearty, nutty taste to it, similar to couscous.
Where does bulgur wheat come from?
It’s a big ingredient in the Middle Eastern, but bulgur wheat’s origins are actually the Anatolia region in Turkey and the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East. Cultivated for at least 4,000 years, it’s considered by many to be the very first processed food.
Its historic popularity is probably down to the fact that it’s easy to grow, has good nutritional value, is resistant to mould and insects and is simple to prepare.
The process of making bulgur spread from the Middle East to the Romans and as far as China. Chinese emperor Shen Nung enshrined it as one of the five sacred crops; the Bible references it as being used by Ancient Babylonians; it’s also mentioned in ancient Jewish and Arab texts.
Whatever its precise origins, these old-fashioned foodies certainly knew what they were doing. While it’s now considered a modern superfood, bulgur wheat always was a staple food for Ancient communities, who knew the value of this excellent all-rounder.
Is bulgur wheat healthy?
Absolutely! Bulgur wheat is said to be great for heart health. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing. It’s also low in calories, can help with weight loss and is good for gut health.
Is bulgur wheat vegan?
Yes, bulgur wheat is a plant-based grain that’s 100% vegan friendly.
Can you eat raw bulgur wheat?
No, you’ll need to soak it or cook it before you eat it, as it’s only partially cooked when you buy it from the shops.
What is healthier: couscous or bulgur wheat?
With less calories, more fibre and many more nutrients, bulgur wheat is a lot healthier than its cousin couscous.
What other herbs can I use in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with other herbs. Mix up your parsley – use flat leaf parsley or curly parsley, whichever you prefer. You can also try fresh dill or fresh mint.
What other vegetables can I use?
Chopped vegetables that you can use include courgettes, carrots, beetroot, celeriac and cucumber. Chopped spring onions are also a good substitute for shallots, or you could.
Can I add any other flavours?
For some extra tang, try adding a balsamic glaze. For some fruity sweetness, try pomegranate molasses. You can use lemon juice and lemon zest in place of lime if you prefer.
Wine pairing
Pairing wine with a salad can be very tricky. You want something light and fruity that’s not overpowering and complements the delicate taste of the salad.
Luckily, as bulgur wheat is quite hearty, finding a wine to go with this recipe isn’t too difficult. I recommend a dry German Riesling. A refreshing white, the vibrant acidity works well with the ingredients in this salad.
You could also dry a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
More healthy recipes
Let food be your medicine! Treat yourself and feast on these wonderfully healthy recipes:
- Edamame salad – another terrifically tasty, extremely healthy salad. You won’t forget this one in a hurry!
- Bok choy stir fry – a seriously underused vegetable, bok choy tastes fantastic and works wonders when cooked up like this
- Blanched kale – your new favourite side dish. Healthy, delicious and incredibly simple to make. What more could you ask for?
- Pickled cucumber – you won’t believe the taste of these pickled cucumbers. Next time someone says they don’t like cucumbers, pass them the jar and watch what happens
- Caprese salad – sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. This classic Italian salad shows how blissfully simple cooking can be. Three ingredients, minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction
What is your favourite vegetarian salad recipe?
Print📖 Recipe
Bulgur Wheat Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tired of simple salads? Try something new and learn how to make a Bulgur Wheat Salad in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
Charred Corn
- 28g (2 tbsp) butter
- 2 corn on the cobs
Bulgur Wheat Salad
- 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 150g (¾ cup) bulgur wheat
- 310ml (1 ¼ cup) water, boiled
- 1g (½ tsp) paprika
- 1 vegetable stock pot
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 200g (7oz) fresh spinach leaves, washed
Chimichurri Sauce
- 125ml (½ cup) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 30ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar
- 2 red chilies, seeded
- 2g (1 tsp) sea salt
- 9g (½ cup) coriander
- 9g (½ cup) parsley
- 1g (½ tsp) ground pepper
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) 1 lime, juice and zest
Assembling the Salad
- 2 goat’s cheese logs, rindless
- 1 bunch basil leaves
Instructions
- For the Charred Corn: Place a frying pan over a medium heat.
- Melt the butter and then fry the corn on the cob. The aim is to have a slight charring to the corn before we turn them. Keep turning until all sides are cooked then remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
- For the Bulgur Wheat Salad: In the other pan, heat the olive oil and then add the shallot. Fry for two minutes until they have softened,
- Add the bulgur wheat, paprika, vegetable stock pot and 125ml (½ cup) of the water. You’re going to cook this like risotto. After the water has been absorbed then add 45ml (3 tbsp) more and do the same. Repeat this process until you have incorporated all of the water.
- Taste the bulgur wheat and if it's still firm then add a splash more water. If not, stir through the spinach and cherry tomatoes and then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- For the Chimichurri Sauce: Place all of the ingredients into your food processor and pulse until a thick sauce forms. If you have a large pestle and mortar you can use this too.
- Slice the corn off the cob with a knife.
- Assembling the Salad: Mix the corn, bulgur wheat and chimichurri sauce together and then portion up.
- Crumble the goat’s cheese over the top and tear the basil leaves and sprinkle over too.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can leave the goat’s cheese out if you have a vegan to cater for. Alternatively, serve with a suitable vegan cheese substitute.
- You can substitute the lime for lemon if you like.
- If you don’t have red wine vinegar then exchange for white wine vinegar
- Canned corn can be used, just drain and then fry off as above, I just prefer the flavour of the fresh corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan fry
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 689
- Sugar: 17.6 g
- Sodium: 531.9 mg
- Fat: 46.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 12.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62.7 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 17.2 g
- Cholesterol: 26.6 mg
Rebecca Beesley
I love making a veggie version of a "chicken" salad using a chicken alternative such as "This isn't chicken" - Love making homemade croutons to go in it along with lots of lovely salad leaves and tomatoes and cucumber.
AJ
I love a walnut and pear salad!
fiona d
I love Fudco crispy onions on my salad, really finishes it off & they last for ages too.
Patricia Barrett
Roast carrot & bean salad with feta
Victoria Bazley
The Caprese salad
Fiona Johnstone
Egg Nicoise is my favourite
Kay Broomfield
I love a greek salad with lots of olives!
Herbert Appleby
Greek salad
Lucy Carter
Greek salad with feta and olives is my favourite
sharon martin
would have to be a pesto or tomato pasta salad for me
Claire Hamilton
Tomato, burrata & broad bean salad
Alex McKay
I love the Bulgaria wheat salad recipe. Delicious and healthy.
Mandy Betts
All I need for a salad is a bit of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Simple but very yummy
Leslie Evans
Chickpea Salad
Emilia Nastaly-Howard
Greek salad
Adrian Bold
Mint & basil griddled peach salad
Carole Nott
Root vegetable salad
JAMES HOLYLAND
Egg and cheese salad
Aaron Milne
Greek salads
Emma Davison
Cheese salad with homegrown lettuce, tomatoes etc
HR
I don't really have one. Something not too leafy, with a few nuts for texture.
Anthea Holloway
A totally green salad preferably made with my home grown salad crops.
Lauren Old
I love a salad with cous cous and feta
Ali Thorpe
I love anything with giant cous cous and citrus flavours. Oh, and crunch from pumpkin seeds!
Alice lightning
olive and garlic salad 🥗
Lucinda P
I love a tomato, mozzarella and basil salad
Donna W
I love a warm salad of roasted cherry tomatoes and asparagus with rocket and feta cheese, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with pine nuts.
Hazel Rea
I love goats' cheese salad.
Carolynn Woodland
Just a simple salad of mixed leaves, tomato, onion, peppers and a tasty, spicy dressing.
TonyG
I love pickled things in salads to give that sharpness sour taste
Jennifer Rhymer
Greek salad is my favourite
Victoria Prince
I love a tomato, avocado and quinoa salad
Rebecca Whatmore
Edamame as it is full of protein and is filling
Kim Carberry
I like a Greek Salad x
Lorraine Crighton
I love an Aussi Hot Potato Salad - a great mix of roasted veg with Cheeses and Balsamic
Sheri Darby
Bean Salad
Troy Easton
Salad with Rice and some sliced chicken bits on it.
dana
a Greek salad with feta cheese
Angie Jackson
pomegranate and beetroot salad topped with fried halloumi
Emma Wolski
I love a goats cheese salad!
James Travis
Pesto pasta salad for me
Helen Southam
I love a tomato pasta salad
judy kenendy
Thai salad, carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, radishes, cabbage,dried mango, snowpeas, corriander, mint, dressing, garlic, ginger,sesame oil, soy, siracha, rice wine vinegar, peanut butter
Rebecca Sutton
I enjoy a chicken (Quorn) ceaser salad
Jacqueline Kelly
Is Bulghur Wheat gluten free?
Tammy Tudor
For me it has to be quinoa salad, it's light but still filling and always more exciting than many other salad dishes
Patricia Mccaffery
Spiced bulgur, chickpea & squash salad
Eileen Hindley
Greek salad
Margaret Mccaffery
My favourite is a Sweet potato Tex-Mex sala.
Ruth Harwood
Greek salad xx
Mark Mccaffery
My favourite is an egg nicoise salad.
MichelleD
I love a quorn Caesar salad or a Halloumi and beetroot cous cous salad
Jennifer Toal
Avocado salad
Keith Hunt
Roast vegetable salad with kale pesto
Rachael Sexey
Definitely Greek Salad
Edward
Sadly our Christmas was ruined when our meet wasn’t delivered by the butcher. So we had a vegetarian Christmas dinner and cooked both this and the Aubergine salad which went down extremely well. The family loved it and have all asked for the recipe. It’s a must try if you get a chance!!! Had a lovely Mexican feel to it.
Tammy Neal
Greek salad x
Rena Plumridge
Greek salad
Kim Murray
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad x
Laura F
Just a boring salad for me; tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce.. nothing fancy.
Natalie Burgess
Greek salad with extra olives xx
Amber
Greek Salad
Mark R
Homegrown tomatoes with beetroot, spring onion and mixed salad leaves
pete c
various but mustnt have carrot in and I do like spinach and rocket in it
Charlotte isobelle
I love a good salad with couscous and roasted tomatoes.
Tayla Courtice
I love a pesto pasta!
Nigel Soper
Just ordinary lettuce, cucumber and tomato is fine for me
Kevin Honey
Waldorf Salad!
shellyg
leaves and lots of them. I couldn't resist that answer, sorry. lettuce, bay leaves, tomatoes, peppers. whatever I have at home to use.
Laura Pritchard
Kale & bulgur tabbouleh with yogurt
Matilda Mummery
I love Caprese salad!
Annabel Greaves
I love the bulgur salad
Roger Bufton
Egg Niçoise salad
Kathryn Cox
Beef tomato, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar
Susan B
Potato salad with beetroot and rocket is always a treat.
Pete Nickson
Potato salad with beetroot and rocket couscous and peppers
Ben Audsley
i love a ceasr salad !
Iain maciver
Greek salad
claire woods
Greek salad
Trudie Barnaville
Love bulgur salad going try for valentines
Trudie Barnaville
Fantastic ideas
Love lay out
Jacqueline Kelly
I like most salads with chunky veg, nuts, seeds and a dressing of cider vinegar/olive oil/black pepper 😋😋
Carly Belsey
I love a quinoa salad. I usually make it in the summer. It's really refreshing and delicious and obviously very good for you.
melanie stirling
I love different types of tomatoes in a salad with loads of leaves and some onion and beetroot. I also like homemade coleslaw and potato salad.
Jo m welsh
I love a pesto pasta salad with pine nuts added .