Fattoush Salad Recipe
Introduction
Fattoush Salad is a vibrant Middle Eastern dish known for its fresh vegetables and crispy pita bread. This salad combines bright lemon dressing with crunchy toasted pita, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pita breads
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, radishes)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Tear the pita breads into bite-sized pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mixed fresh vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Step 3: Pour the lemon dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Add the toasted pita pieces to the salad just before serving to keep them crispy. Garnish with parsley and mint if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of sumac to the lemon dressing.
- Use different fresh vegetables like bell peppers or green onions for variety.
- If you prefer, you can fry the pita pieces instead of baking them for a richer crunch.
Storage
Fattoush salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the pita crispy. Store leftover salad and toasted pita separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-toast the pita before adding it back to the salad if it loses its crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon dressing?
Yes, store-bought lemon dressing can be used for convenience, but homemade dressing with fresh lemon juice and olive oil will provide the best flavor.
What type of pita bread works best for this salad?
Traditional Middle Eastern or Lebanese pita bread that is soft and pocketless works best, as it crisps nicely when toasted and adds a pleasant texture to the salad.
PrintFattoush Salad Recipe
Fattoush Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern dish featuring fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side, this salad combines crunchy textures with tangy flavors for a delightful and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped radishes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Pita Bread
- 2 pita breads, torn into bite-sized pieces
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Pita: Preheat a skillet or oven to medium-high heat. Toast the torn pita bread pieces until they become crisp and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, parsley, and mint, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sumac if using, and salt and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Add the toasted pita pieces last and toss lightly to incorporate without breaking the crunch.
Notes
- Sumac adds a traditional tangy flavor to the salad but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For extra crunch, you can bake the pita pieces in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes instead of toasting on a skillet.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the pita bread.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables such as bell peppers or green onions for variation.
Keywords: Fattoush, Middle Eastern salad, Pita bread salad, Lemon dressing, Fresh vegetable salad, Healthy salad
