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Lebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe

4.6 from 144 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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