What is the Recipe About?
Fattoush-ish Bread Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern fattoush salad. This version includes a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing.
The combination of crunchy vegetables and crispy bread creates a delightful texture, while the lemony dressing adds a burst of flavor. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal for any time of the year.
How to Serve?
Serve Fattoush-ish Bread Salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful and inviting presentation. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sumac for a touch of color and extra tanginess.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, falafel, or a selection of Middle Eastern dips such as hummus and baba ghanoush. It’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing addition to any meal.
How to Pair?
Fattoush-ish Bread Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and beverages. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or fish for a hearty meal. It also complements vegetarian dishes like stuffed grape leaves or lentil soup.
For beverages, consider a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mint lemonade. The salad’s bright flavors and crunchy textures make it a versatile addition to many dining experiences.
Some Notes About the Recipe
- Bread Selection: Use stale or day-old pita bread for the best texture. Toast the bread until crispy, then break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetables: Include a variety of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers. The more colorful the mix, the more visually appealing the salad.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are essential for authentic flavor. Feel free to add other herbs like cilantro or dill for a unique twist.
- Dressing: Make a simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of sumac and salt. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Sumac: This tangy spice adds a unique flavor to the salad. If you can’t find sumac, you can substitute with a little extra lemon juice and zest.
- Mixing: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the bread crunchy. If you prefer a softer texture, let the salad sit for a few minutes after adding the dressing.
Fattoush-ish Bread Salad
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 4 slices of pita bread - torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1 cucumber - diced
- 1 bell pepper - diced
- 1/2 red onion - thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes - thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley - chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves - chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese - optional
For the Sumac Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac powder
- 1 garlic clove - minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the torn pita bread pieces on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the Sumac Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sumac powder, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, chopped mint leaves, and chopped cilantro (if using). Add the cooled toasted pita bread pieces.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the sumac dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all the vegetables and bread are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Divide the Fattoush-ish Bread Salad among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!