Tabbouleh with Pasta

Elevate your summer salad game with this vibrant Tabbouleh with Pasta, a fresh twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dish. Featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, aromatic parsley, and refreshing mint, this recipe blends the heartiness of pasta with the bright, herbaceous flavors of tabbouleh. Tossed in a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, each bite is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect as a light main course, a side for grilled meats, or a make-ahead option for potlucks and picnics. Delicious served cold or at room temperature, Tabbouleh with Pasta is your new go-to for wholesome, crowd-pleasing meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta (or small pasta shape of choice)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 cups Parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 medium Tomatoes, diced
• 1 small Cucumber, finely diced
• 3 stalks Scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Finely chop the parsley and mint, dice the tomatoes and cucumber, and thinly slice the scallions.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and scallions.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to make the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Step 8

Cover the bowl and let the tabbouleh sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2291.7 grams (2291.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1596

Total Fat 63.60g	82%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3230mg	140%
Total Carbohydrate 229.60g	83%
Dietary Fiber 34.60g	124%
Total Sugars 30.20g
Protein 47.40g	95%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1397mg	107%
Iron 50mg	277%
Potassium 5439mg	116%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.1%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 54.7%