Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Spinach, Tomatoes and Herbs

Serves 6.

Note: This versatile bulgur and vegetable salad can be served warm for more comfort appeal, or chilled for a filling yet refreshing meal. Serve it with roasted or grilled poultry or meat, or as a vegetarian main dish with the cheese and/or a handful of toasted nuts for protein. From Ellie Krieger.

• 1 c. dry bulgur wheat

• 5 oz. (2 c.) lightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 c. chopped red onion

• 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley leaves

• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh dill

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp. finely grated zest and 1 1/2 tbsp. juice (from 1 lemon)

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

•2 oz. crumbled feta cheese, optional

Cook the bulgur according to package directions, or as follows: Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the 1 cup of bulgur. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender. The yield is 2 to 2 1/2 cups.

Combine the spinach and onion in a mixing bowl. Once the bulgur is done, fluff it with a fork, then add it to the bowl, tossing until incorporated. Let the mixture sit for about 3 minutes, until the spinach is slightly wilted and the grain is no longer steaming.

Add the parsley, dill, tomatoes, oil, lemon zest and juice, and the salt and pepper; toss until well coated.

Scatter the feta over the top, if using. Serve at room temperature, or chilled.

Nutrition information per serving:

Carbohydrates21 gSaturated fat1 gTotal sugars1 g