Tabbouleh

prepared-meals

Tabbouleh

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.3

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Tabbouleh Healthy?

It depends — Tabbouleh is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Primarily made from bulgur wheat (grain) and parsley. Bulgur is a processed grain with high net carbs. Approximately 20-25g net carbs per cup. Fundamentally incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Traditional Middle Eastern salad made from bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. Entirely plant-based and whole-food based.

Paleo2/10AVOID

Tabbouleh is primarily bulgur wheat (cracked grain), making it fundamentally incompatible with paleo diet. Grains are explicitly excluded.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Tabbouleh is a Mediterranean staple combining whole grains (bulgur), fresh vegetables (parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers), olive oil, and lemon juice. It exemplifies plant-based, minimally processed Mediterranean eating.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Tabbouleh is primarily bulgur wheat (grain), parsley, tomatoes, and other vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice. Entirely plant-based; completely incompatible with carnivore diet.

Whole302/10AVOID

Tabbouleh is primarily made with bulgur wheat, which is a grain and explicitly excluded on Whole30. The parsley and vegetables are compliant, but the grain base disqualifies it.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Tabbouleh is made with bulgur wheat (high-FODMAP fructans) and traditionally contains large amounts of fresh parsley, mint, tomato, lemon juice, and olive oil. The wheat base makes this unsuitable for low-FODMAP diet during elimination phase.

DASH8/10APPROVED

Tabbouleh is primarily bulgur (whole grain), fresh parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice with minimal olive oil. Rich in fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium unless excessive salt is added. Excellent DASH alignment.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Bulgur wheat is moderate-glycemic; parsley and vegetables are low-glycemic. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat. However, carb-heavy base with insufficient protein for Zone balance. Requires added lean protein.

Anti-Inflammatory9/10APPROVED

Tabbouleh combines whole grain bulgur, fresh parsley (high in vitamin K and antioxidants), tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. Excellent anti-inflammatory profile with omega-3s, polyphenols, and minimal processing.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

High-fiber bulgur wheat base with fresh vegetables and herbs. Moderate protein from bulgur and optional additions. Low fat, nutrient-dense, easy to digest. Excellent hydration from vegetables. Works well in small portions.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.3Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Tabbouleh

Vegan 9/10
  • Whole grain (bulgur)
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Plant-based oil
  • No animal products
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Whole grain base
  • Abundant fresh vegetables
  • Olive oil primary fat
  • Minimal processing
  • High fiber content
DASH 8/10
  • Whole grain base (bulgur)
  • High in fresh vegetables and herbs
  • Good source of fiber
  • Low sodium if prepared without excess salt
  • Healthy fat from olive oil in moderation
Zone 5/10
  • moderate-glycemic bulgur
  • good monounsaturated fat from olive oil
  • low protein content
  • vegetable polyphenols present
  • whole grains
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • fresh herbs (parsley)
  • antioxidant-rich vegetables
  • minimal processing
  • High fiber from whole grain and vegetables
  • Low fat
  • Nutrient-dense
  • High water content
  • Easy to digest
  • Portion-friendly
Last reviewed: Our methodology