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Fattoush

fattoush

Fattoush salad brings crunchy pita, herbs and lemon together in a light Lebanese meal. Try this quick, vibrant recipe!
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Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 unit whole wheat pita breads toasted and broken into pieces
  • 2 cup romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup tomato diced
  • 0.5 cup cucumber sliced and quartered
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 0.33 cup radish thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon sumac optional for authenticity
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pita breads on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes until crispy and golden. Break them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, red bell pepper, radish, and sliced red onion.
  3. Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl, mixing well to blend everything together.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac (optional), salt, and black pepper
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
  6. Just before serving, add the crispy pita pieces and toss once more. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

Fattoush is a staple of Lebanese cuisine, celebrated for its crisp textures and zesty, refreshing flavors. Its versatility makes it a favorite not only at festive spreads but also as a bright addition to quick weekday meals. This salad beautifully balances crunchy pita chips with an abundance of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a satisfying dish by itself or as a vibrant side.

Tips for Perfectly Crisp Pita

Always toast your pita bread until golden and fully crisp. If the bread isn’t completely dry, it can become soggy once added to the salad. You can use the oven, toaster, or even a dry skillet to achieve this texture. Try whole grain pita for a flavor boost or gluten-free varieties if needed.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

If you’re missing an ingredient, fattoush is forgiving. Bell peppers can be swapped with chopped carrots for extra crunch. Add diced avocado just before serving for creaminess, or sprinkle in feta cheese for a salty touch. Don’t have sumac? Substitute with a pinch of lemon zest and black pepper for a similar hint of tartness.

Dressing and Tossing Tips

Always add the crispy pita chips right before serving so they retain their crunch. If preparing in advance, you can mix all veggies and herbs, store them chilled, and toss with pita and dressing when ready to serve. For a more intense flavor, let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before pouring it over the veggies to blend the aromas.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve fattoush as a refreshing start to a Middle Eastern meal—pair it with grilled meats like lamb kebabs, hummus, baba ganoush, or a cool glass of mint lemonade. For a heartier option, add roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken. You can even try tossing pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
Experiment and make this fattoush truly your own—its adaptability is part of its charm!