Lebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe
Introduction
Lebanese Fattoush Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that brings together crisp vegetables with toasted pita bread for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a light meal or a side, its lemon dressing adds a bright, zesty flavor that makes every bite enjoyable.
Ingredients
- Mixed vegetables (such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes) – 4 cups, chopped
- Pita bread – 2 pieces
- Lemon dressing – 3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the pita bread until it is golden and crispy. Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mixed vegetables and the toasted pita pieces. Drizzle with lemon dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle some sumac or fresh mint leaves into the salad.
- Use whole grain pita or flatbread for a different texture and more fiber.
- Add olives or feta cheese for a richer taste.
Storage
It’s best to store the salad and pita bread separately to keep the bread crispy. Refrigerate the mixed vegetables and dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toast fresh pita just before serving to maintain crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon dressing for Fattoush?
Yes, store-bought lemon dressing works well, but fresh lemon juice mixed with olive oil, garlic, and sumac offers the most authentic flavor.
What vegetables can I include in Fattoush?
Traditional vegetables include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, but you can also add bell peppers, onions, or fresh herbs based on your preference.
PrintLebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe
Lebanese Fattoush Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern dish featuring mixed fresh vegetables tossed with toasted pita bread and a tangy lemon dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of crunchy textures and zesty flavors, making it a light and healthy appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, green onions, and bell peppers), chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Pita Bread
- 2 pita breads, cut into small pieces or torn
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast pita: Preheat a skillet or oven to medium heat. Toast the pita bread pieces until they are crisp and golden brown, enhancing their texture and flavor. This usually takes about 5 minutes on the stovetop or 7-10 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Allow to cool.
- Prepare lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and black pepper until well combined and tangy.
- Combine vegetables and herbs: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped mixed vegetables with parsley and mint, ensuring even distribution of herbs to brighten the flavors.
- Toss with pita and dressing: Add the toasted pita pieces to the vegetable mixture, then pour the lemon dressing over all the ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, allowing the pita to soak up some of the dressing while retaining crunch.
- Serve immediately: Serve the fattoush salad fresh, ideally right after tossing, to enjoy the crisp texture of the toasted pita mixed with the fresh vegetables and vibrant dressing.
Notes
- Use stale pita bread for toasting as it crisps better and adds crunch.
- Sumac is a key spice in fattoush, providing a unique lemony flavor; omit or substitute with a little lemon zest if unavailable.
- Add a pinch of dried mint for extra herbal aroma if fresh mint is scarce.
- Customize vegetables based on seasonality and preference; radishes and green onions add a peppery bite.
- Serve fattoush immediately after mixing to prevent pita from becoming soggy.
Keywords: Lebanese salad, fattoush, pita bread salad, Middle Eastern salad, lemon dressing salad
