Bulgur Salad with Mushrooms – Easy Grain Salad with Roasted Onions

We love the versatility of bulgur. You can simplify it or make it super fancy.

This bulgur salad is hearty and made with wholesome ingredients. The coarse bulgur provides a delightfully chewy texture, creating a substantial base that pairs perfectly with the rich, earthy mushrooms.

Roasting the red onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelised depth to the salad, while sautéing the mushrooms in butter enhances their umami flavour, making them irresistibly savoury.

The fresh oregano adds a burst of aromatic freshness that complements the other ingredients, tying the dish together with a vibrant herbal note. Our oregano vinaigrette is a great way to use up the rest of the herbs.

Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this bulgur salad is sure to become a favourite. It’s also great to make ahead, heat up later or pack for lunch the next day.

What Is Bulgur Wheat?

Bulgur wheat is a whole grain made from cracked wheat berries that have been parboiled (partially cooked), dried, and then cracked into smaller pieces. 

This process gives bulgur its characteristic quick-cooking properties and slightly nutty flavour. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

Recipe Overview

Flavour/Texture: This simple bulgur salad recipe offers a delightful medley of flavours and textures that make it so moreish.

The coarse bulgur provides a hearty, chewy base while the sautéed portobello mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavour, enhanced by the buttery cooking process.

Roasted red onions contribute a sweet, caramelised taste and the fresh oregano introduces a burst of herbal freshness, adding an aromatic layer.

The combination of these elements results in a well-balanced salad, with each bite offering a mix of textures—from the tender mushrooms and chewy bulgur to the soft, sweet onions.

Ease: Follow instructions and you’ll find that bulgur is super easy to make. Once mastered, it’s a great grain for all sorts of sides. Mushrooms are quick sauté and the rest is easy to finish off.

Time: If cooked and roasted simultaneously, the cooking component will take about 20-25 minutes. Start with roasting the red onions followed by bulgur and then mushrooms for the best use of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Bulgur Wheat Salad

Red onion: Caramelised red onions are super sweet and will give this bulgur recipe a lift in flavour.

Bulgur: For this bulgur salad we used coarse bulgur. Follow the instructions below for the perfect bulgur. Much easier than you think.

Portobello mushrooms: Love using the large portobello mushrooms to give this salad a meaty lift. Be sure to select mushrooms that are fresh and sprightly.

Butter: A good dose of unsalted butter to cook the mushrooms with. Let the mushrooms soak up all the wonderful fats. Add more if the mushrooms seem to be absorbing more than usual.

Oregano: Use fresh oregano. Chop roughly.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute bulgur: You can try quinoa, couscous, farro, or barley for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Replacing portobello mushrooms: Some other options include cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms for a slightly different flavour and texture. For a more robust flavour, add a mix of wild mushrooms.

Additional vegetables: Add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra colour and flavour. Include leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition and freshness.

Other herbs: Swap oregano with other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to change the herbal notes. For a more intense flavour, use a mix of fresh and dried herbs.

Adding protein: Add chickpeas, black beans, or lentils to make the salad more filling and protein-rich. For a non-vegetarian option, include grilled chicken, turkey, or shrimp.

Nuts and seeds: Incorporate toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for added crunch. Sprinkle seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flaxseeds for extra texture and nutrition.

Cheese: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a creamy, tangy addition.

Instructions For How to Make Bulgur Salad with Mushrooms

How to Roast Onions

Preheat oven to 180°C or 350°F.

Cut onion into wedges and coat with 1 tbsp olive oil.

Baste sheet pan with olive, add onions and roast for 25 minutes.

How to Cook Bulgur Wheat for Salad

Rinse bulgur thoroughly. Place in a small saucepan.

Add water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. 

Reduce to a simmer, cover with the lid and let it cook for about 12 – 14 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.

How to Sauté Mushrooms

Slice mushrooms. In a frying pan, add butter.

Then add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until soft.

How to Assemble the Salad

In a mixing bowl, add the bulgur, mushrooms, oregano and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix until well combined.

Place on a serving plate.

Tuck roasted onions around the salad.

Serve.

How to Make This Salad Perfectly [Expert Tips]

Use coarse bulgur: It holds texture and doesn’t clump when dressed.

Cook bulgur properly: Follow the instructions below for the correct water-to-bulgur ratio and cook until all liquid is absorbed.

Resting the bulgur after cooking is the key to getting a fluffy texture.

Perfectly roast the onions: Cut the red onion into uniform wedges to ensure even roasting.

Toss the onion wedges in olive oil and spread them out in a single layer on the sheet pan for caramelisation.

Cleaning mushrooms: If you feel you need to clean the mushrooms, do so with a damp cloth instead of rinsing them under water to prevent sogginess.

Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano adds a bright, aromatic note to the salad. Roughly chop the herbs to release their essential oils and maximise flavour.

Dried oregano simply wouldn’t be able to give this bulgur salad recipe the flavours it requires.

Season generously: Bulgur absorbs flavours easily, so salt lightly while cooking, then adjust at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions