Blood Orange and Pomegranate Bulgur Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing bulgur salad featuring bright blood oranges, tangy feta cheese, juicy pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. This wholesome salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Grains and Herbs
- 1/2 cup fine bulgur
- 1 bunch curly parsley
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
- ⅓ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
Fruits and Vegetables
- 150 grams blood oranges or regular oranges (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- ⅓ cup pomegranate arils
Dairy and Olives
- 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and coarsely chopped)
Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about the juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bulgur: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the bulgur, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the bulgur with a fork and allow it to cool before continuing.
- Prepare the herb mixture: In a food processor or blender, add the curly parsley, chopped fresh mint, and sliced green onion. Pulse in short 1-second intervals until the herbs are finely diced, being careful not to puree them into a paste.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or bowl, combine the cooled bulgur and chopped herb mixture. Gently top with the diced blood oranges, crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and pomegranate arils.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat with the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Make the bulgur ahead of time and refrigerate to save preparation time.
- Use regular oranges if blood oranges are unavailable for a milder citrus flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste depending on the juiciness of oranges and personal preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.