Fattoush Salad Recipe

Introduction

Fattoush salad is a refreshing Middle Eastern dish that combines crisp vegetables with toasted pita bread and a tangy lemon dressing. It’s a perfect light meal or side dish full of vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 2 pita breads
• 2 cups mixed salad vegetables (such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, radish, and bell pepper), chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or mint, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the pita breads into bite-sized pieces and toast them on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the toasted pita pieces to the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch. Toss gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or mint if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle with sumac spice in the dressing or over the salad before serving.
• Use day-old pita bread for better crispiness when toasted.
• Add diced avocado or olives for a richer taste.
• If you prefer, grill the pita bread instead of baking for a smoky touch.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and toasted pita separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-toast the pita before serving to refresh its crunch. It’s best to add the pita to the salad just before eating to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make fattoush salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance, but add the toasted pita just before serving to keep it crispy.

What vegetables work best in fattoush?

Crisp vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, tomato, radish, and bell pepper are traditional and provide great texture and freshness.

Fattoush Salad Recipe

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Fattoush Salad is a fresh and vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring crisp vegetables and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. It’s a refreshing, crunchy dish perfect as a light meal or side.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 medium cucumbers, diced
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup radishes, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 4 green onions, sliced

Pita Bread

• 2 pita breads, cut into small pieces or triangles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting)

Lemon Dressing

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the pita: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Brush the pita bread pieces lightly with olive oil, then toast them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, sliced radishes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, mint leaves, and sliced green onions.
3. Make the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Toss the salad: Pour the lemon dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly. Just before serving, add the toasted pita pieces to the salad and toss gently to combine, preserving the crunchiness of the pita.

Notes

• Toast the pita just before serving to keep it crispy.
• Sumac adds an authentic tangy flavor but can be substituted with a mixture of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika if unavailable.
• Add a pinch of ground cumin to the dressing for extra depth.
• This salad is best served fresh; avoid adding pita too early to prevent sogginess.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute pita with gluten-free crackers added just before serving.

Keywords: Fattoush, Middle Eastern salad, pita bread salad, lemon dressing, fresh vegetable salad