I have been trying to dig up some new summer salads to serve and I think I hit the jackpot with this refreshing crunchy combo  that I found

on Ronni Fein’s blog.

I am adding this salad to this week’s menu – without the cheese so I can serve it late Saturday afternoon and not worry that  Shabbat passerbys may have had a meat lunch and wont be able to eat it. Let me know if you decide to try it too!

1 cup fine grain bulgur wheat

1-1/2 cups boiling water

1 large ripe tomato, chopped into bite size pieces

1 small, slim zucchini, diced

assorted colored peppers, chopped, (optional)

1 medium cucumber, peeled, deseeded and diced

2 scallions, chopped, optional

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, oregano, savory or marjoram leaves (or a mixture of herbs)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3-4 tablespoons lemon juice

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place the bulgur in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Stir and let rest for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Add the tomato, zucchini, cucumber and optional scallions and cheese. Sprinkle with the herbs. Toss ingredients to distribute them evenly. Add the olive oil and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Toss the salad, taste and add more lemon juice if desired, plus salt and pepper to taste. Best to let rest for 15 minutes before serving (at room temp). Makes 4-6 servings