A couple of weeks ago, we took a short vacation and rented a houseboat on Lake Shasta. 4 days with no schedules, no computer and no internet - a "time out" from the crazy schedule that has dominated our summer and a chance to spend some uninterrupted time together as a family before my oldest heads off to college in Texas next month.
Planning the meals for this trip got me thinking about what I used to make when we went camping - and that's where these marinated sun dried tomatoes come in. They just might be one of the most perfect foods for camping - and even if you don't "camp" they are definitely worth making because they not only taste amazing but are incredibly versatile. A sauce for pasta, an appetizer with feta cheese and crackers and a perfect dressing for salads. I can't think of many foods that are that versatile - can you?
Now, you can obviously buy these already marinated - but these are so much better. Really.
I'd been thinking about using them in a grain based salad -a very loose riff on tabbouleh. Great on the first day and even better on the second. This salad too would be perfect for camping, a picnic or even hiking - have it as a side with some grilled meat or chicken and then pack the leftovers for lunch the next day.
But even if your idea of camping is just eating outside on a patio or deck, these tomatoes and this salad deserve a place in your refrigerator and on your table. Trust me on this.
Bulgur Salad with Marinated Tomatoes - This recipe calls for using the sliced garlic cloves in the finished dish - they are pungent so if you are not a garlic fiend like I am, feel free to not include them in the salad. As for the preserved lemons they really do make a huge difference in this dish. They couldn't be easier to make - see the link for how to make them!! Finally, I made this with bulgur but it would also be very good with quinoa or couscous. Garbanzo beans would also be a delicious addition and when combined with the grains provides a complete source of protein.
(serves 4 - 6 people)
Marinated Tomatoes
- 1- 3 oz. package sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup cup white wine vinegar
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
- 2 tsp. herbs de provence
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. capers
- 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a medium sized glass bowl (preferably wit a lid) l, combine the tomatoes and ½ cup of the white wine vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Refrigerate overnight.
Bulgur Salad with Marinated Tomatoes
- 1 cup bulgur (I used #12 grade)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 recipe marinated tomatoes
- 2 - 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. minced preserved lemon(or you can use lemon zest but flavor won't be as pronounced)
- 1 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup chopped, canned artichoke hearts
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine bulgur and hot water. Cover and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove sun dried tomatoes from marinade and slice into ¼ inch pieces.
- When bulgur has absorbed all the hot water stir in the marinated tomatoes, preserved lemons, parsley, green onions and artichoke hearts.
- Measure out ½ cup of the marinade (making sure to get the capers and the sliced garlic!) and pour over the bulgur mixture. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more vinegar/marinade to taste.
- Top with pistachios and serve.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
Perfectly lovely salad...and though I do love garlic, I really do...I might have to blanch those slices for just a moment! So pretty Nancy!
Wishing your son has chosen Boulder...we could be getting together soon!
Nancy says
Blanching would definitely work well... I am such a garlic addict that I love the bite but it definitely isn't for everyone. I know 🙁 wish he was at Boulder but SMU is a great fit for him.
Georgia Pellegrini says
I adore bulgar! I don't see it often enough in recipes but I was raised on it. So beautiful!
Nancy says
I love it too - I wasn't fortunate enough to be raised on it - can't believe what I was missing!
the urban baker says
such a yummy, healthy salad. I have some quinoa in the fridge right now and I may just have to swap out your bulgar and make YOUR salad with a vaired grain!!!!
Nancy says
I think this would be awesome with quinoa or whole wheat couscous!
Kristen says
So much better than the Spam we used to eat while camping 🙂
Nancy says
I have to agree with you on that one!!
Marla {family fresh cooking} says
Nancy, sounds like a wonderful trip. Especially with all this delicious food. The more capers the better in my opinion 😉
Nancy says
Hah!! I completely agree with you on the capers - I've been known to literally eat them plain out of the jar!
Brooke @ Food Woolf says
Everyone needs to unplug. And if you're like me, you need to unplug several times a week. 🙂 Great summer recipe!
Nancy says
Thanks Brooke - yes unplugging is definitely required - need to give my brain time to breathe!
My Man's Belly says
I've been using all kinds of grains lately. Love the bulgur salad. I'm actually out so I've been grabbing the quinoa. I think that would work here too, now that I think about it.
Nancy says
Quinoa would be wonderful - love that grain!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Lovely bulgar salad - I have a huge bag of bulgar in my pantry and my tomatoes are coming in, so I'll add this to my repertoire of tomato recipes! Glad you were able to get away for 4 days to be together before your son leaves for Texas. Hope to see you soon!
Nancy says
Hope to see you soon too!!! Sounds like you have the makings for this and some great tabbouleh!!
Magic of Spice says
A houseboat vacation...nice! Wonderful and fresh summer salad...beautiful 🙂
Nancy says
The houseboat was a blast - so glad you liked the photos!
Lucy Lean says
Can't wait to make sundried tomatoes - and this bulgar salad - I'm eating a lot of farro at the moment - would be good to switch it up with this grain for a patio salad - no camping for me!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Lovely idea to marinate your own sundried tomatoes, and I'm a big fan of bulgur salads, it's such a versatile grain.
Nancy says
These tomatoes truly taste better than those you can buy in the store. I love bulgur too - especially the fact that it is so quick and easy to prepare!