Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Date Dressing
This easy Mediterranean bulgur salad combines tender red bulgur, sautéed peppers, sweet apples, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomatoes. Tossed with a simple lemon dressing sweetened with date syrup, it’s a fresh, colorful side for everyday meals or entertaining!
Healthy Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Bell Peppers, Grape Tomatoes, Apple, and Cucumbers.
This Mediterranean-inspired bulgur salad combines tender, nutty red bulgur with colorful vegetables, sweet apples, and a fresh lemon dressing with a touch of date syrup. It’s easy to make, full of texture, and delicious alongside chicken, fish, or lamb. TBH, this will become your best go-to Mediterranean grain salad just like my harvest quinoa pilaf!
This salad is so colorful, and rightly so! It brings to mind the phrase “eat the rainbow.” And that’s exactly what I encourage you to do! Choose vegetables you love and make this salad your own. For instance, you can swap cucumber for broccoli or add other colorful vegetables you enjoy. Be creative and think outside the box!
One more thing: when making this medium red bulgur salad, pay close attention to the cooking time. Not every recipe or package instruction will give you the same results, so don’t be afraid to taste as you go. The goal is tender, perfectly cooked bulgur that makes this salad enjoyable for you and your family!

A Bulgur Salad Worth Making Again!
Listen, this bulgur salad was one of the best things on our Sunday dinner table. That says a lot, because the Peruvian chicken and Jamaican rice and peas were equally delicious! 😂
My husband and I kept going back to the salad. My daughter said the bulgur reminded her of quinoa fried rice (rightly so)! Everyone had a favorite, but honestly, the entire meal was a winner.
I had been testing recipes for my upcoming Friendsgiving, and this salad earned its place on the menu. It brings freshness, color, and that lovely lemony flavor that makes you want another bite.
My little twist? I didn’t add everything raw. I gently sautéed the bell peppers, shallot, garlic, and finely diced apple before combining them with the warm bulgur. Then, as it cooled, I added the cucumber and tomatoes. The parsley went in last. The combination of warm, savory ingredients and cool, crunchy vegetables was SO good! It’s fair to say Bulgur wheat salad has legitimately earned a permanent spot on my dinner table! 🙂

Types of Bulgur Wheat
Bulgur wheat is typically differentiated by texture (grind size) and color. Depending on the variety, bulgur can be fine, medium, coarse, or extra-coarse. It also comes in different colors, including yellow (light) and red bulgur.
- Fine Bulgur: Has a small, delicate texture and is commonly used in tabbouleh and other salads. It often needs only soaking rather than simmering.
- Medium Bulgur: Slightly larger than fine bulgur, with a pleasantly chewy texture. It’s great for salads, grain bowls, and side dishes.
- Coarse Bulgur: Has larger grains and a heartier texture, making it ideal for pilafs, soups, and other cooked dishes.
- Extra-Coarse Bulgur: Has the largest grains and a firm, chewy texture. It’s commonly used in hearty pilafs and as an alternative to rice.
Red vs. Yellow Bulgur: Red bulgur generally has a darker color and a more pronounced nutty flavor, while yellow bulgur is lighter in appearance and often milder in taste.
For this Mediterranean Bulgur Salad: I use medium red bulgur. Since bulgur varieties and brands can cook differently, pay attention to the package instructions and taste as you cook. You want tender grains that still have a pleasant bite, not mushy bulgur.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bulgur Salad Recipe
- Wonderful texture: Tender but nutty bulgur, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and little bites of apple.
- A simple dressing: Lemon juice, olive oil, date syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Plenty of vegetables: Every spoonful has something colorful.
- Easy to pair: Serve it with your favorite chicken, fish, or lamb.
- This Mediterranean-inspired bulgur salad without feta is naturally dairy-free, making it a fresh, colorful, and flavorful option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious bulgur wheat salad without cheese.

Ingredients for Dairy-free Mediterranean Bulgur Salad
For the bulgur and vegetables
- 2 cups dry red bulgur
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 baby English cucumbers, deseeded and finely diced
- (Halved) 1 cup grape tomatoes
- ½ big green bell pepper, diced
- ½ big red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tipping cup peeled, finely diced apple
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- ⅓ cup chopped Italian parsley

For cooking and dressing
- 3 TBS extra-virgin olive oil, divided: 1 teaspoon for the bulgur, 2 teaspoons for sautéing, and the remaining 2 TBS for dressing
- 2 – 3 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 TBS date syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

Quick ingredient note: I used medium red bulgur, and the package instructions call for about 12 minutes of cooking. Bulgur comes in different sizes, so check your package rather than assuming every variety cooks the same way.
How to Make Mediterranean Bulgur Salad
Make this Mediterranean bulgur salad with fresh vegetables, apples, and a lemon-date dressing. A colorful, flavorful side for chicken, fish, or lamb.
- Prepare the vegetables
Wash the bell peppers, cucumbers, apple, and grape tomatoes. Dice the bell peppers and cucumbers, mince the shallot and garlic, and halve the grape tomatoes. Peel and finely dice the apple. Thoroughly wash and chop the fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley.

- Cook the bulgur
Cook the bulgur in the chicken broth with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, following the cooking method appropriate for your package.
For the variety I used, 2 cups of bulgur and 3 cups of chicken broth produced the texture I wanted. The broth gave it such a flavorful foundation!
- Sauté the vegetables and apple.
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil (or as needed) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green and red bell peppers and gently sauté. Add the shallot and garlic, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn. Add the finely diced apple and cook briefly to warm it through.

- Combine/assemble bulgur wheat salad.
Add the sautéed mixture to the warm bulgur and gently stir to combine, allowing the savory flavors to blend throughout. Let it cool for about 2 minutes, then add the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Gently toss everything together to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp. (check out my video).
- Add the lemon date dressing.
Add EVOO, lemon juice, date syrup, salt, and pepper, and keep combining. Alternatively, whisk together the dressing ingredients (2 TBS EVOO, 2-3 TBS lemon juice, 1 TBS date syrup, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper), then pour it over the salad. Taste for flavor and adjust as needed. Add the chopped parsley last, just before serving.
- Serve and enjoy this easy bulgur salad recipe
Once everything is combined, your Mediterranean bulgur salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat. This bulgur wheat salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Quick Tips for the Best Mediterranean Bulgur Salad
- Dice the apple and vegetables into small, even pieces. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
- Use olive oil thoughtfully. I use just 3 tablespoons of olive oil for this entire recipe, including cooking and sautéing. Some recipes call for as much as 6 tablespoons, but I find 3 tablespoons perfectly sufficient. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
- Use your bulgur package instructions as a guide. Different bulgur grind sizes and brands may require different cooking times or amounts of liquid. Taste as you cook to achieve your preferred texture.
- Taste before adding more salt. Chicken broth already contains sodium, so taste before adding additional seasoning.
- A Note About the Bulgur Quantity: I started with 2 cups of dry medium red bulgur wheat, cooked it, and fluffed it. However, I reserved approximately 1 cup of the cooked bulgur for a grain bowl the following day and used the rest for this salad. So, you don’t have to use all the cooked bulgur! Feel free to adjust the amount to achieve your preferred balance of grains and vegetables.
- Remember, this recipe is a guide! Pay attention as you cook, taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences. Personally, I love seasoning as I go rather than waiting until the very end. Cooking isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about creating something delicious that you and your family will enjoy!
- For the full step-by-step cooking instructions, please refer to the recipe card.

What to Serve with Bulgur Wheat Salad
A N Y T H I N G for real! We enjoyed this salad with Peruvian chicken, green sauce, and Jamaican rice and peas. The combination was absolutely delicious! It would also make a lovely side for chicken, air-fryer salmon, or lamb (leg of lamb, chops, or shanks). For my Friendsgiving, it’s bringing that fresh, colorful element to the buffet, and I cannot wait for the ladies to try it!

Is bulgur gluten-free?
No. Bulgur is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free variation, try cooked quinoa, following its owncooking instructions.
Can I make this bulgur salad vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The remaining ingredients are plant-based.
Can I substitute honey or maple syrup for date syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or maple syrup for date syrup using the same amount. Both add a lovely touch of sweetness that balances the fresh lemon dressing. Maple syrup is a great option if you want to keep the dressing vegan-friendly.

Recipe Card:
Print
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Date Dressing
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Chopping/Cutting, Cutting and Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This easy Mediterranean bulgur salad combines tender red bulgur, sautéed peppers, sweet apples, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomatoes. Tossed with a simple lemon date dressing sweetened with date syrup, it’s a fresh, colorful side for everyday meals or entertaining!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red medium bulgur
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 baby English cucumbers, deseeded and finely diced
- (Halved) 1 cup grape tomatoes
- ½ big green bell pepper, diced
- ½ big red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tipping cup peeled, finely diced apple
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- ⅓ cup chopped Italian parsley
For cooking and dressing
- 3 TBS extra-virgin olive oil, divided: 1 teaspoon for the bulgur, 2 teaspoons for sautéing, and the remaining 2 TBS for dressing
- 2 – 3 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 TBS date syrup
- ½ each salt and black pepper (or add to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables.
- Wash the bell peppers, cucumbers, apple, and grape tomatoes. Dice the bell peppers and cucumbers, mince the shallot and garlic, and halve the grape tomatoes. Peel and finely dice the apple. Thoroughly wash and chop the fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley.
- Place the prepared ingredients in separate bowls, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. The shallot and garlic can go in the same bowl since you’ll be sautéing them together. The bulk of the work for this salad is chopping the vegetables, so once that’s done, the rest comes together pretty easily!
Cook the Bulgur.
- Cook the bulgur in chicken broth with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, following the cooking method appropriate for your package. For the variety I used, 2 cups of dry medium red bulgur and 3 cups of chicken broth produced the texture I wanted. The broth gave it such a flavorful foundation!
- Once cooked, fluff the bulgur with a fork. I typically reserve about 1 cup of the cooked bulgur for another meal (optional). I saved mine for a grain bowl the following day! Transfer the remaining cooked bulgur to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables and apple.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil (or as needed) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green and red bell peppers and gently sauté. Add the shallot and garlic, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn. Add the finely diced apple and cook briefly to warm it through. Add a pinch of salt and Knorr to keep the vegetables from tasting bland. It’s important to leave some texture in the peppers and apple, rather than cooking everything until soft.
Combine/assemble bulgur wheat salad.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the warm bulgur and gently stir to combine, allowing the savory flavors to blend throughout. Let it cool for about 2 minutes, then add the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Gently toss everything together to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
Add the lemon date dressing.
- Add EVOO, lemon juice, date syrup, salt, and pepper, and keep combining.
- Alternatively, whisk together the dressing ingredients (2 TBS EVOO, 2-3 TBS lemon juice, 1 TBS date syrup, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper), then pour it over the salad. Taste for flavor and adjust as needed. Add the chopped parsley last, just before serving. The date syrup adds a little sweetness that balances the lemon beautifully.
Serve and enjoy this easy bulgur salad recipe.
- Once everything is combined, your Mediterranean bulgur salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat. This bulgur wheat salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
- And if you’re a 9-to-5er like yours truly, this makes a fantastic weekday work lunch! Simply add your favorite protein and some avocado for a satisfying Mediterranean grain bowl. Easy peasy!
Notes
Dice the apple and vegetables into small, even pieces. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Use olive oil thoughtfully. I use just 3 tablespoons of olive oil for this entire recipe, including cooking and sautéing. Some recipes call for as much as 6 tablespoons, but I find 3 tablespoons perfectly sufficient. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
Use your bulgur package instructions as a guide. Different bulgur grind sizes and brands may require different cooking times or amounts of liquid. Taste as you cook to achieve your preferred texture.
Taste before adding more salt. Chicken broth already well seasoned and contains sodium, so taste before adding additional seasoning. If using unseasoned broth, then ensure to season your bulgur properly. Check out my homemade chicken broth.
A Note About the Bulgur Quantity: I started with 2 cups of dry medium red bulgur wheat, cooked it, and fluffed it. However, I reserved approximately 1 cup of the cooked bulgur for a grain bowl the following day and used the rest for this salad. So, you don’t have to use all the cooked bulgur! Feel free to adjust the amount to achieve your preferred balance of grains and vegetables.
Remember, this recipe is a guide! Pay attention as you cook, taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences. Personally, I love seasoning as I go rather than waiting until the very end. Cooking isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about creating something delicious that you and your family will enjoy!
For the full step-by-step cooking instructions, please refer to the recipe card.
My 2026 Friendsgiving Menu: Here’s What I’m Making!
If you’re wondering what else I’m serving alongside this Mediterranean Bulgur Salad, I’ve got you! 😂
I’m hosting Friendsgiving this year for a few friends (as I love to do every year, and I wanted a colorful, flavorful menu inspired by different cuisines. We’re bringing together a little Mediterranean, Peruvian, Jamaican, and Nigerian-inspired goodness!
Here’s what’s on my Friendsgiving menu:
- Healthy Mediterranean Bulgur Wheat Salad – A colorful, refreshing grain salad with vegetables, apples, and a lemon-date syrup dressing.
- Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Thighs – Flavorful, juicy chicken with a delicious green sauce.
- Creamy Peruvian Green Sauce – A creamy, vibrant sauce to serve alongside the chicken.
- Jamaican Coconut Rice & Peas – A comforting, flavorful rice dish that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Individual Apple Pear Crisp with Golden Oat Crumble – A warm, cozy fruit dessert served in individual ramekins.
- Hibiscus Cooler (Sorrel/Zobo) – A refreshing hibiscus drink to bring everything together!
I love bringing different flavors and cultures to the table, and this year’s Friendsgiving menu is exactly that!
Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, planning a holiday gathering, or simply looking for new dinner ideas, I hope this menu inspires you to create something delicious for your own table. 💛

More Colorful Salads, Grain Bowls, and Veggie Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Mediterranean Bulgur Salad, here are a few more colorful, nourishing recipes to add to your meal rotation! Whether you’re planning weekday lunches, looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal, or simply want to include more wholesome ingredients in your diet, these recipes are worth trying.
- Sweet and Savory Quinoa and Black Beans Bowl – A flavorful quinoa and black bean bowl that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or easy meal prep.
- Easy Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash – A colorful, vegetarian, gluten-free dish that’s especially lovely during fall and winter.
- Beetroot and Feta Cheese Salad with Salmon – A delicious combination of beetroot, feta, and salmon for a satisfying salad.
- Harvest Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries, Apples, and Walnuts – A cozy, flavorful grain dish featuring sweet apples, cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
- Black Bean Veggie Burgers – A hearty, meatless option for an easy lunch or dinner.

Finally, let’s connect on social media, am on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. If you like video recipes, then be sure to head over to my YouTube Channel. Share this post, and SAVE/PIN THIS IMAGE ON PINTEREST! ⤵️

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!



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