Tabbouleh with chicken and corn was an idea that came to us in the supermarket. Somewhere between the barbecued chicken and the bushels of fresh corn, the thought of turning a traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh into a main dish bulgur and chicken salad began taking shape. And by the time we got back to our kitchen, the recipe had fallen into place.

Tabbouleh, supposedly from the Arabic word tabil, meaning “spice,” probably originated in Lebanon. Although the recipe depends on who is doing the cooking, tabbouleh is generally made with a variety of sweet and peppery spices. In addition to the seasonings, a classic tabbouleh has a lot of hand-chopped parsley and mint, a scattering of fresh vegetables, a lemony dressing and a small amount of bulgur.

“Tabbouleh should be green,” says Mediterranean cooking expert Paula Wolfert.

The bulgur, which is wheat that has been cooked, dried and cracked, is meant to absorb the juices from the vegetables.

In a Middle Eastern kitchen, tabbouleh might be spooned onto lettuce or cabbage leaves for a light lunch or served with other appetizers at the beginning of a meal. When eaten as an hors d’oeuvre, tabbouleh is typically scooped up with lettuce leaves or pita breads, which are served alongside.

Adding chicken and corn to a tabbouleh seasoned with parsley, mint and lemon juice makes a delicious entree salad. Garnished with tomatoes and cucumber and served with whole-grain bread, the dish is an attractive and satisfying variation of the real thing.

Tabbouleh with Chicken and Corn

Store-bought or leftover cooked chicken works fine.

3/4 cup bulgur

• Boiling water

11/2 cups (about 8 ounces) shredded cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 cup fresh cooked corn kernels

1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons orange juice

3/4 teaspoon salt

• Coarsely ground black pepper

Place bulgur in a large bowl and add enough boiling water to cover by about 1 inch. Cover and let stand 20 minutes or until bulgur is softened. Transfer to a strainer and press down with a spoon to remove water.

Return bulgur to bowl and add chicken, corn, parsley and mint.

Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl; whisk. Pour over salad and mix gently. Serves 4.

Per serving: 280 calories, 10g fat, 21g protein, 29g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 505mg sodium.

Look for Relish magazine, celebrating America’s love of food, each month in the Gazette-Times. For more Relish recipes, see www.relishmag.com.