Flavors Worth Savoring
Fattoush Salad: A Crisp and Tangy Middle Eastern Delight
Course: appetizer, side dishCuisine: Levant (Eastern Mediterranean)Difficulty: EasyServings
4 to 6
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
10
minutesCalories
150
kcalFattoush is a vibrant, refreshing salad that hails from the Levantine region of the Middle East. This salad is characterized by its crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and the unique addition of toasted or fried pita bread, which adds a delightful crunch. The salad is traditionally dressed with a tangy sumac and lemon vinaigrette, which gives it a bright, zesty flavor. Fattoush is a perfect way to use up leftover pita and enjoy the fresh produce of the season.
Ingredients
Pita Bread: 2 large, cut into bite-sized pieces
Romaine Lettuce: 1 head, chopped
Cucumber: 1 large, diced
Tomatoes: 2 large, diced
Radishes: 4-5, thinly sliced
Green Onions: 3, chopped
Fresh Parsley: ½ cup, chopped
Fresh Mint: ¼ cup, chopped
Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced (optional)
Sumac: 1 tablespoon
Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (from about 2 lemons)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
Directions
- Prepare the Pita Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pita pieces on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry the pita pieces in a bit of olive oil for a more traditional approach. - Prepare the Pita Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pita pieces on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry the pita pieces in a bit of olive oil for a more traditional approach. - Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pita is toasting, chop the romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, green onions, parsley, and mint.
Combine all the chopped vegetables and herbs in a large salad bowl. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and black pepper. - Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Just before serving, add the toasted pita pieces to the salad and toss gently to ensure the pita stays crispy. - Serving Suggestions:
Fattoush salad is best served immediately after assembling to maintain the crunch of the pita. It can be enjoyed as a light main course, especially when paired with grilled chicken or fish, or as a side dish alongside other Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, falafel, or kebabs.
Notes
- Sumac: A key ingredient in fattoush, sumac is a tangy, lemony spice made from ground sumac berries. It adds a unique flavor and vibrant red color to the salad, enhancing its freshness and zing.
Pita Bread: The toasted or fried pita adds texture and substance to the salad, making it more filling and providing a satisfying contrast to the fresh vegetables.
