Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad – Refreshing & Nutty!

Picture the perfect summer salad bite. It’s got the delightful crunch of walnuts, the sweet taste of cherries, and the hearty flavor of bulgur. This is what you get from my bulgur cherry walnut salad. It’s a yummy mix of cherry, walnut, and more. Besides cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and spinach, it’s a quick, tasty meal ready in just 19 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something fast and filling. This salad is all about enjoying healthy, tasty food.

Key Takeaways

• A unique blend for a bulgur cherry walnut salad, combining the refreshing taste of cherries with the rich texture of bulgur and walnuts.
• Prepare a wholesome and tasty salad with bulgur that’s simple and quick, perfect for on-the-go lunches or savory side dishes.
• Complete the dish within 19 minutes, promising a quick turnaround for a nutritious and delicious cherry walnut combo.
• A nutrient-rich profile, including a balance of protein, grains, and a generous serving of fruits and veggies.
• Convenient meal prep that stays fresh for days, ensuring you savor every bite without a rush.
• Emphasizing health and flavor without compromising on texture and taste.

What is Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad?

This dish is a beautiful mix of textures and tastes that’s also really good for you. The best bulgur salad mix you’ll find is Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad. In it, the chewy, nutty flavor of bulgur meets the sweetness of cherries and the crunchy walnuts. This blend makes a meal that fills up your stomach and makes your taste buds happy.

Looking for a healthy bulgur salad recipe? This one’s great either as a whole meal or a fancy side dish. It’s filling but also fits well with diets looking to cut down on weight. Whether you’re planning a picnic or need a healthy lunch, this salad works. Plus, you can add in any of your preferred ingredients.

Find out how to make this colorful salad, including the best dressing to enhance its flavor.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Salad

The journey to making the perfect Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad starts with picking top-notch ingredients. These elements work together to boost flavors and add health benefits. Every piece of the cherry walnut salad aims to make your taste buds happy and bring a mix of textures.

Fresh Produce You’ll Need

• • Juicy cherry tomatoes: Essential for a burst of freshness.
  • Crisp cucumber: Adds a crunch that’s both refreshing and hydrating.
  • Tender spinach: Provides a soft texture against the nutty components and offers a wealth of nutrients.

The mix of these fresh items makes the salad not only look good but also fills it with important vitamins and minerals.

Protein-Packed Additions

Adding proteins to the homemade cherry walnut salad is crucial for a well-rounded meal. We recommend two excellent sources:

1. Fava beans: They’re creamy and packed with protein, making the salad filling.
2. Your favorite alternative protein: Whether it’s grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, it lets you customize the meal to fit your diet and boosts the protein.

These additions are carefully picked to meet the dietary needs of many, ensuring the salad offers both flavor and health benefits. It’s a dish that fits many occasions, benefiting those with specific eating habits.

How to Prepare Bulgur

Mastering easy bulgur salad ideas starts with knowing how to prepare bulgur. Bulgur, known for its nutty taste and flexibility, is central to many dishes, like Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad. We’ll explore the best cooking methods to make your bulgur perfectly fluffy and flavorful.

The suggested ratio is 1 part bulgur to 1.75 parts water. You’ll use 1 cup of bulgur and about 1 1/4 cups of water for this salad. This keeps the bulgur’s texture just right, not too mushy. Start by boiling the water, then add your washed bulgur wheat.Did you know bulgur can be ‘al dente’ like pasta? This adds a nice chew to salad grains.

Add bulgur to boiling water, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. This steaming process makes the grains fluffy. Fluffy bulgur techniques keep the grains separate and light, enhancing your salad’s flavor.Adding cherries and walnuts brings texture and taste contrasts to enjoy.

To finish, fluff the bulgur with a fork. This step stops the grains from sticking and creates a great salad base. The success of a vibrant bulgur salad depends on both the ingredients and how well you prepare your bulgur.

Choosing the Best Cherries

Tasty salads with bulgur need fresh ingredients, and cherries are no exception. The right cherries can change a dish’s flavor and texture. They’re perfect in fresh ingredients salad recipes or as a solo snack.

It’s important to know the types of cherries. You’ve got sweet cherries like Bing and Rainier that are juicy. Then there are tart cherries with a bold flavor. Sweet cherries go well with the nutty flavor of bulgur in salads.

The best time to buy cherries is in the summer. That’s when they’re freshest and tastiest. Look for cherries that are firm, plump, and shiny. These are usually the best quality.

Fresh cherries not only taste better but are also more nutritious. Adding ripe cherries to your bulgur salad turns a simple meal into something exciting. They also make your dish look beautiful!

Selecting High-Quality Walnuts

I take choosing walnuts for my cherry walnut dish seriously. They need to be fresh to make the perfect salad. It’s vital the walnuts are full and without cracks or marks. This ensures they are fresh and undamaged, affecting taste and health benefits.

Nutritional Benefits

High-grade walnuts are packed with nutrition. In our salad, they add to our intake of good fats, proteins, and fiber. These small nuts make our cherry walnut dish tastier and healthier with every bite.

How to Store Walnuts

Storing walnuts right is key to keeping them good to eat, especially in salads. After picking the best ones, I keep them in an airtight container in the cold. This keeps them fresh longer and keeps the taste and nutrition intact.

Dressings That Complement Your Salad

Making the perfect dressing for your cherry walnut salad elevates it from nutritious to delicious. You might want a zesty vinaigrette to boost the flavors. Or maybe a creamy dressing that adds a delicious contrast. Either way, knowing how to make salad dressings is key.

If you prefer a light dressing, a simple vinaigrette recipe is perfect. Mixing olive oil with balsamic vinegar creates a rich, tangy foundation. It enhances the salad without overpowering it. Just add garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. This dressing is healthier too, with less saturated fat than creamy dressings.

For a creamier dressing, try adding soft goat cheese. It gives a rich texture and bold taste without too many calories. This is especially good compared to other, fattier cheeses. If you want something special, consider making a cherry vinaigrette. You can find a great recipe for it here.

The right dressing does more than taste good. It makes your salad nutritionally balanced. It mixes well with everything from the greens to the walnuts and cheese. Whether for a big party or a quick lunch, a custom dressing makes your cherry walnut salad stand out. It’s guaranteed to impress.

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Creative Variations of Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad

Looking to shake up your salad game? I’m excited to share some simple yet delicious bulgur salad ideas. These recipes blend traditional and global flavors. They make every bite exciting and flavorful.

Let’s begin with a classic mix of cherries and walnuts. You can add different ingredients according to the season. Try spring’s arugula and radishes or fall’s roasted squash and cranberries. This way, your bulgur salad becomes a seasonal delight.

Adding international tastes can take your salad from good to amazing. Try mixing in Mediterranean delights like feta, black olives, and parsley. Or go Middle Eastern with hummus, cucumber, and za’atar for something different. For more unique ideas, check out Anjappar Egg Fried Rice right here.

Our bulgur salad ideas cater to all taste buds and support various diets by offering a quinoa option. Each dish brings a rich mix of flavors and textures, pleasing everyone at your table. Suitable for any occasion, these salads are sure to be hit.

Serving Suggestions

Discovering the best ways to enjoy your cherry walnut salad shows its flexibility and charm. You can serve it alone or with other dishes, tailoring your meal just right. It pairs well with many foods, making it perfect for different types of eating occasions.

For the right pairings, match the walnut’s nuttiness and the cherry’s sweetness with proteins like grilled chicken or fish. This keeps your meal satisfying yet light. Stuffing the salad into pita pockets with hummus or alongside falafel adds a tasty Mediterranean twist. These mixtures guarantee a meal that’s both healthy and flavorful.

The ideal times for a healthy salad are many with this cherry walnut creation. It’s great for summer picnics, family BBQs, or any outdoor event. Its bright colors and fresh taste fit well for celebrations or casual meals. With everyone wanting to eat healthier, it’s also terrific for potlucks. Plus, for a special dinner at home, pair it with wine for a cozy, nutritious meal.

For more amazing recipes, especially Mediterranean ones that use bulgur, take a look at these recipes. You’ll find more ways to make your meals exciting with the bulgur cherry walnut salad and other dishes.

Nutritional Value of Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad

Enjoying a meal that’s tasty and healthy is wonderful. The nutritious cherry walnut dish of Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad is a great mix of health and flavor. It’s full of nutrients from beneficial ingredients.

Every ingredient in this salad boosts its nutritional value. It keeps you healthy and tastes great. The bulgur in this healthy bulgur salad recipe is packed with fiber for better digestion and energy. Cherries add antioxidants to fight stress, and walnuts bring omega-3s for your brain.

Looking at all elements of this dish shows a good balance of calories, vitamins, and minerals. It’s got potassium for muscles and fiber for digestion.

The benefits of this bulgur cherry walnut salad suit anyone wanting health and taste. It’s great for a big lunch or a small dinner. This salad meets your nutrition needs and is super tasty.

Tips for Meal Prep and Storage

I love the flavors of the Mediterranean but not the hassle. That’s why a meal prep bulgur salad is perfect. It has fresh ingredients and suits many diets. You can make it in advance, so a tasty meal is ready when you’re busy. A bulgur-cherry-walnut salad is full of nutrients, with 336 calories per serving. It has 46g carbs and 9g protein. Just add the dressing right before you eat to keep it delicious.

To keep your salad fresh, store the bulgur and veggies in separate airtight containers. Doing this keeps it great for 2 to 3 days. By following these storage tips for salad, the taste and texture stay perfect. Medium-grind bulgur only needs 15-30 minutes to soak. If you use finer bulgur, just soak it in hot liquid. It saves even more time.

Add a bit more vinaigrette to keep the salad moist. But remember, too much can make the grains too soft. If walnuts are too pricey, try chopped almonds instead. This salad still tastes amazing. With these tips, my homemade bulgur salad is always ready to enjoy. It keeps my lunchbox interesting and healthy.

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Bulgur Cherry Walnut Salad

A nutty, sweet, and tangy salad with bulgur wheat, dried cherries, crunchy walnuts, and fresh herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup 180g bulgur wheat
• 2 cups 480ml water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup 75g dried cherries, chopped
• 1/3 cup 40g walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup 30g red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup 15g fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup 15g fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for warmth
• Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tbsp/30ml
• 3 tablespoons 45ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness1 cup (180g) bulgur wheat
• 2 cups 480ml water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup 75g dried cherries, chopped
• 1/3 cup 40g walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup 30g red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup 15g fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup 15g fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for warmth
• Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tbsp/30ml
• 3 tablespoons 45ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness

Instructions

 

Cook the Bulgur:

• In a saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil.
• Stir in bulgur wheat, cover, and reduce heat to low.
• Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
• Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

Toast the Walnuts:

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Once fragrant and golden, remove from heat and let them cool.

Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, black pepper, and cinnamon.

Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine cooked bulgur, chopped dried cherries, toasted walnuts, red onion, parsley, and mint.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything until well mixed.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve immediately or let it chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
• Enjoy on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish!

Notes

• For a nut-free version: Substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• For extra protein: Add crumbled feta cheese or chickpeas.
• For a citrus twist: Add orange zest or swap lemon juice for orange juice.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Keyword Bulgur Salad, Cherry Walnut Salad, Healthy Grain Salad, Vegetarian Recipe