Vibrant Bulgur Salad Recipe

Zesty Bulgur Salad with Carrots, Mint, and Raisins Recipe

This vibrant bulgur salad with carrots brings a delightful burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Wholesome grains dance with sweet raisins and fresh mint, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Crunchy carrots add a delightful pop of color and nutrition to every bite.

The combination of ingredients delivers a light yet satisfying meal that works perfectly as a side or standalone dish.

Fragrant herbs and subtle sweetness make this salad irresistibly appealing.

Each forkful offers a refreshing blend of earthy and bright notes that will leave you wanting more.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that promises to become a new mealtime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bulgur Salad with Carrots & Raisins

For Base Ingredients:
  • Bulgur: Hearty whole grain that provides a nutty texture and robust foundation for the salad.
  • Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that adds delightful bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps plump and soften the bulgur and raisins during absorption.
For Crunch and Texture:
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Crunchy green kernels that deliver a subtle earthy flavor and nutritional boost.
  • Hazelnuts: Rich, buttery nuts that provide a delectable crunch and deep, warm undertones.
  • Carrots: Vibrant root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and bright orange color to the dish.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Delicate seeds offering additional textural complexity and mild nutty notes.
For Freshness and Seasoning:
  • Mint Leaves: Aromatic herb that introduces a cool, refreshing flavor and vibrant green color.
  • Lemon Juice: Zesty citrus liquid that brightens the salad and balances the other ingredients.
  • Sunflower Oil: Light, neutral oil that helps bind ingredients and provides smooth mouthfeel.

Tools List for Bulgur Salad with Carrots, Mint, and Raisins

  • Large dish: Perfect for soaking bulgur and raisins in hot broth.
  • Grater: Essential for shredding carrots quickly and evenly.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping mint leaves and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife: Sharp blade for precise mint leaf chopping.
  • Mixing spoon or spatula: Great for combining all salad ingredients thoroughly.
  • Measuring cups/spoons: Helpful for accurate oil, lemon juice, and seed measurements.

Simple Instructions for Bulgur Carrot Raisin Salad

  • Cozy Bulgur Soak

Gather bulgur and sweet raisins in a spacious bowl. Pour steaming chicken broth over the mixture, then seal with a protective cover. Let the ingredients mingle and soften for about 25 minutes until liquid vanishes and grains plump beautifully.

  • Vibrant Veggie Fusion

Peel bright orange carrots and create delicate shreds. Introduce crunchy pumpkin seeds and toasted hazelnuts into the grain mixture. Splash some zesty lemon juice and silky sunflower oil, then blend everything with a gentle hand. Season to your heart’s desire.

  • Fresh Herbal Whispers

Delicately chop fragrant mint leaves. Sprinkle these green gems throughout the salad, allowing their cool essence to dance among the grains. Feel free to adjust mint quantity for a personalized touch.

  • Chill Zone

Transfer the salad to the refrigerator, letting flavors meld and develop. Keep cool until the moment of delicious presentation arrives.

Bulgur Salad Tips & Ways to Mix Things Up

  • Adjust the amount of mint leaves to suit your personal flavor preference, ranging from a subtle hint to a bold, refreshing burst.
  • Lightly toast pumpkin seeds and hazelnuts in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch.
  • Prepare this salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
  • Boost the nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese for a more substantial and satisfying meal.
  • Experiment with different dried fruits like dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins, or try alternative grains such as quinoa or couscous for a unique twist.

Serve Bulgur Salad with Carrots and Mint At Its Best

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared fish to create a balanced and nutritious meal that elevates the bulgur salad's flavors.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the salad with hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread for a vibrant and colorful spread that transports you to the sunny Mediterranean coastline.
  • Fresh Lunch Companion: Pack this salad in a portable container for a delightful work or picnic lunch, enjoying its refreshing mix of textures and bright herbal notes.
  • Elegant Side Dish: Present the bulgur salad in a beautiful serving bowl at dinner parties or family gatherings, showcasing its beautiful blend of grated carrots, nuts, and aromatic mint.

Bulgur Salad Storage Guide

  • Refrigerate with Care: Store the bulgur salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the salad a day before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Revive and Refresh: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra sunflower oil and lemon juice, then gently toss to restore moisture and brightness.
  • Freeze for Later: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad (without mint) in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Vibrant Bulgur Salad Recipe

Vibrant Bulgur Salad

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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x
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Description

Hearty bulgur salad spotlights Mediterranean ingredients with roasted carrots, fresh mint, and sweet raisins. Balanced textures and zesty flavors create a satisfying side dish you’ll crave at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 liter (4.22 cups) chicken broth
  • 600 g (21.16 oz) bulgur
  • 4 carrots
  • 140 g (4.94 oz) raisins
  • 100 g (3.53 oz) crushed and roasted hazelnuts
  • 100 g (3.53 oz) pumpkin seeds
  • 5 tbsps sunflower oil
  • 1 bunch of mint
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Hydration: Combine bulgur and raisins in a large bowl, then pour hot chicken broth over the ingredients to fully submerge and soften them. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 25-30 minutes until bulgur becomes tender and plump.
  2. Vegetable Preparation: Grate carrots into fine shreds using a box grater or food processor, creating delicate ribbons that will integrate seamlessly into the salad.
  3. Texture Enhancement: Fold grated carrots into the softened bulgur mixture, incorporating roasted pumpkin seeds and chopped hazelnuts to introduce a complex, crunchy dimension.
  4. Flavor Balancing: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and sunflower oil over the salad, gently mixing to ensure even coating and harmonious flavor distribution. Chop mint leaves and sprinkle throughout, releasing their aromatic essence.
  5. Seasoning and Resting: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing profile.
  6. Serving: Remove from refrigerator, give a final gentle stir to redistribute ingredients, and serve chilled, showcasing the salad’s vibrant textures and colors.

Notes

  • Liquid Absorption Technique: Allow bulgur to fully soak in hot chicken broth for 25-30 minutes, creating perfectly tender grains with enhanced flavor depth.
  • Carrot Grating Strategy: Use a box grater or food processor for uniform, delicate carrot shreds that integrate seamlessly into the salad’s texture.
  • Flavor Melding Tip: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to harmonize and develop a more complex taste profile.
  • Finishing Touch Technique: Stir the salad just before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore its vibrant, fresh appearance and even seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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