Fattoush Salad is a vibrant Middle Eastern dish that combines fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and crunchy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread. The salad is dressed with a tangy sumac and lemon vinaigrette, creating a flavorful and satisfying mix of textures. It’s an ideal choice for a refreshing side dish or a light and healthy main course.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fattoush Salad as a crisp and zesty side with grilled meats, kebabs, or roasted poultry. It also makes a great standalone lunch or light dinner. For extra flavor, consider garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
Pairing Ideas
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, offering a refreshing contrast. It also works nicely with other Middle Eastern dishes, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or falafel. For a more substantial meal, enjoy it alongside a warm soup or a hearty stew.
Tips and Notes
- Pita Bread: Toast or fry pita bread until crispy, then break into bite-sized pieces. This adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
- Vegetables: Use a mix of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint and parsley add a burst of flavor. Adjust quantities to your taste.
- Dressing: The sumac and lemon vinaigrette gives the salad its distinctive tangy flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add a touch of garlic if desired.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To maintain the crispness of the pita bread, keep it separate until ready to serve.
Enjoy the fresh and tangy flavors of Fattoush Salad as a delightful addition to your meals!
Fattoush Salad
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large tomatoes diced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 cup toasted pita bread torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, and chopped mint leaves.
- Add the torn pieces of toasted pita bread to the salad bowl.
- If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad ingredients.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground sumac, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Assembly:
- Drizzle the dressing over the fattoush salad in the bowl.
- Toss gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the pita bread or let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy this delicious Fattoush Salad as a refreshing and nutritious meal!