fattoush
Fattoush salad combines fresh veggies, herbs, and crisp pita for a Mediterranean touch. Try this easy Lebanese recipe at home!
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pita bread pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon sumac. Toast for 7–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sliced radishes, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, cumin, and a pinch of salt to make the dressing.
- Toss the vegetables with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Just before serving, add the toasted pita chips to the salad and toss gently again. Garnish with extra sumac if desired.
- Serve immediately for best crunch and freshness!
Notes
Fattoush salad is a true gem of Lebanese cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and versatility at any meal. Whether served as a starter, a refreshing side, or a light main course, fattoush brings together fresh produce and toasted bread in the most delightful way.
Smart tips for awesome fattoush: For the crunchiest pita chips, make sure the bread is sliced thin and well spaced on the baking sheet so every piece gets evenly crisp. Day-old or slightly dry pita works best—just don't overbake, as it can quickly turn too hard.
If sumac is hard to find, a combination of a little extra lemon juice and smoked paprika can bring a similar citrusy brightness to your dressing. Switch up the veggies by adding bell peppers, diced carrots, or even green onions for your own twist.
Chopping technique matters! Try to keep your vegetables fairly uniform in size so every bite of salad is perfectly balanced, both in texture and flavor. For the herbs, gently tear mint and parsley leaves to keep their essential oils intact and add bursts of flavor.
Serving ideas & variations:
- Serve fattoush chilled for summer lunches, or at room temperature as an elegant addition to a Mediterranean spread.
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese to turn it into a more substantial meal.
- Pair with hummus or baba ganoush, and serve alongside grilled kebabs or lamb chops for an authentic Lebanese feast.
