Fresh, vibrant, and so easy to make—this Bulgur Salad is a perfect mix of citrusy, nutty, and herby goodness. Whether you serve it as a side or a light meal, every bite is packed with flavor!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 0 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, this Bulgur Salad with Fennel and Citrus is a perfect balance of nutty, crunchy, and zesty. The bulgur provides a hearty, fiber-rich base, while the fennel adds a subtle sweetness and crunch. Juicy oranges bring brightness, and a burst of citrus flavor, and pistachios add the perfect touch of crunch.
What makes this salad truly special is the creamy Greek yogurt dressing, which adds richness and tang while tying all the flavors together. And the surprise ingredient? Preserved lemon! Its bold, salty-citrusy flavor elevates the entire dish, making each bite even more irresistible.
This salad is easy to make, naturally vegetarian, and perfect for meal prep. Serve it on its own, as a side dish, or alongside grilled fish or chicken for a wholesome Mediterranean meal. It’s fresh, vibrant, and even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
What You’ll Need for This Bulgur Salad
For the Salad:
- Fine-Grain Bulgur (#1 or #2) – A light, fluffy grain that absorbs flavors beautifully; if using a larger grain, soak it a bit longer.
- Oranges, Peeled and Segmented – Adds juicy sweetness and bright citrus flavor.
- Fennel Bulb, Thinly Sliced – Brings a crisp texture with a mild, refreshing anise-like taste.
- Pistachios, Toasted and Roughly Chopped (or Pine Nuts) – Adds crunch and a subtle nutty richness.
- Chopped Fresh Mint – Provides a cooling, aromatic freshness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley – Enhances the salad with its bright, slightly peppery flavor.
- Dry Mint – Deepens the herbal notes and complements the fresh mint.
For the Yogurt-Preserved Lemon Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy, tangy base that balances the flavors.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Enhances the citrusy brightness of the dish.
- Preserved Lemon (Rinsed and Finely Chopped) – The surprise ingredient! Adds a salty, bold, and complex citrus flavor that elevates the dressing.
Tips for Perfect Bulgur Texture & Substitutions
To keep your bulgur light and fluffy, avoid over-soaking! A quick 5-minute soak is enough for fine-grain bulgur (#1 or #2). If using a coarser grain, soak it for 10–15 minutes, then be sure to squeeze out all excess water—otherwise, you’ll end up with mushy grains.
Want to switch it up? You can easily substitute bulgur with cooked quinoa, farro, or even beans for a different texture and extra protein. This is your salad, so feel free to make it your own!
This Mediterranean Bulgur Salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a fresh and vibrant side dish alongside grilled fish, lamb chops, or juicy kebabs, whose citrusy flavors perfectly complement smoky, charred meats. It’s also a great meal prep option—pair it with grilled chicken breast or roasted vegetables for a light yet satisfying lunch. Whether served on its own or as part of a Mediterranean feast, this salad brings brightness and balance to any meal!
For more quick meals, check out my 15-minute quick recipe collection!
Preparation
Soak the Bulgur:
Place the Bulgur in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let it soak for 5 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess water.
Make the Dressing:
Combine Ingredients:
Dress the Salad:
This Mediterranean Bulgur Salad is fresh, zesty, and full of texture! With fennel, oranges, pistachios, and a creamy yogurt-preserved lemon dressing, it’s a flavorful and easy dish perfect as a side or light meal.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 0 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Ingredients:
| 1 cup fine-grain bulgur number 1 or 2 | |
| 1 cup boiling water | |
| 2 medium oranges, peeled and segmented | |
| 2 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced | |
| 1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped (or pine nuts) | |
| 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint | |
| 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley | |
| 1 tablespoon dry mint |
For the Yogurt-Preserved Lemon Sauce:
| 1/2 cup Greek yogurt | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 1 whole emion juice | |
| 1 small chopped preserved lemon (rinsed and finely chopped | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Before you start, measure and prep all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes assembling this Mediterranean Bulgur Salad quick and effortless! Place the Bulgur in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let it soak for 5 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess water.
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped preserved lemon, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, orange segments, fennel, pistachios mint, and parsley.
Pour the Yogurt-Preserved Lemon Sauce over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the refreshing and flavorful salad!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this Mediterranean Bulgur Salad! Did you make any tweaks or serve it with your favorite dish? Leave a comment below—I always love reading your feedback!