Cabbage Tabbouleh
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This vibrant cabbage tabbouleh is a refreshing twist on the classic Levantine salad, replacing some of the traditional grain with finely sliced green cabbage for extra crunch. It is a brilliant vegan dish that celebrates fresh herbs, combining a generous amount of flat-leaf parsley and mint with the warm, aromatic notes of ground allspice. The lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together, creating a zesty, light side dish that works perfectly as part of a summer spread.
Packed with nutrients and naturally low in fat, this healthy salad is ideal for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled vegetables and flatbreads. Using raw cabbage adds a satisfying texture and ensures the salad stays crisp even if prepared slightly in advance. For those who enjoy a bit of contrast, serving the dish with fresh green chillies provides a wonderful heat that cuts through the cooling, citrusy flavours of the herbs.
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Ingredients for Cabbage Tabbouleh
60ml bulgur (not quick-cooking)
1/4 medium head of green cabbage, cored, very thinly sliced (about 650g )
1/2 medium white onion, very thinly sliced
2 cups very finely chopped parsley
1 cup mint leaves, torn if large
1 teaspoon ground allspice
80ml extra-virgin olive oil
80ml fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
Fresh green chillies (optional)
How to make Cabbage Tabbouleh
Back to contentsPlace bulgur in a small bowl; pour in boiling water to cover by 2". Let soak until tender, about 50 minutes; drain.
Toss cabbage, onion, parsley, mint, allspice, and half of the bulgur in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over tabbouleh and season with salt; toss again to combine.
Transfer tabbouleh to a platter and sprinkle with remaining bulgur. Serve with chillies alongside if desired (they’re meant to add some heat in between bites of the cooling tabbouleh).
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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