Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is fresh, tangy, and packed with vibrant flavors! This classic Middle Eastern dish combines crisp vegetables, crunchy pita bread, and a zesty dressing featuring sumac and lemon juice. It’s not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The tangy dressing with sumac and lemon juice is a game changer.
- Texture Heaven: Crisp pita bread and fresh veggies make every bite a delight.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients for Fattoush Salad
Each ingredient in Fattoush Salad serves a purpose, contributing to its unique flavor, texture, and appeal. Here’s why these specific ingredients are essential:
1. Pita Bread
- Purpose: Adds crunch and texture. The fried or toasted pita bread provides a delightful contrast to the fresh, crisp vegetables.
- Flavor Boost: When fried in olive oil, the pita develops a nutty, golden flavor that complements the tangy dressing.
2. Sumac
- Purpose: The key spice in Fattoush Salad, sumac brings a tangy, citrusy note to the dish.
- Why It’s Special: This Middle Eastern spice is a hallmark of Fattoush, giving the dressing its distinctive zing without adding acidity.
3. Lemon Juice
- Purpose: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the olive oil and the spices.
- Why It’s Necessary: Lemon juice enhances the freshness of the vegetables and intensifies the flavors of the other ingredients.
4. Olive Oil
- Purpose: A base for the dressing, olive oil brings richness and helps blend the spices.
- Why It’s Essential: Its mild, fruity flavor ties all the elements together while allowing the sumac and lemon to shine.
5. Cucumbers and Lettuce
- Purpose: Form the crunchy, hydrating base of the salad.
- Why They Work:
- Cucumbers: Add a subtle sweetness and refreshing crunch.
- Lettuce: Contributes volume and texture while keeping the salad light.
7. Radishes
- Purpose: Add a peppery kick and vibrant color to the salad.
- Why It’s Included: The sharpness of radishes complements the tangy dressing, adding a layer of complexity.
How to Make Fattoush Salad
Step 1: Fry the Pita Bread
Heat olive oil in a pan and add the pita bread squares. Cook until golden and crisp, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, black pepper, coriander, dried mint, sumac, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside to let the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large salad bowl, combine the onion, lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, tomato, mint, and parsley. Toss to mix.
Step 4: Assemble the Fattoush Salad
Arrange the fried pita bread around the salad (do not mix them in yet to avoid getting soggy). Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Fattoush Salad
- Don’t Skip the Sumac: Sumac is a key ingredient in fattoush. It adds a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Serve Fresh: Fattoush is best served immediately after adding the dressing to keep the pita bread crispy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Add or swap vegetables like bell peppers, green onions, or even avocado for a twist.
- Make Ahead: Prep the vegetables and dressing in advance, but fry the pita bread and combine everything right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Store-bought pita chips work well if you’re short on time. However, frying your own adds a more authentic touch.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the pita bread with gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips.
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dressing and pita bread just before serving.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Fattoush Salad is a vibrant and refreshing way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a bold, tangy dressing. The crispy pita bread adds the perfect crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something light and flavorful, this salad is sure to impress.
Related Recipes
- Yogurt chickpea salad.
- Tuna pasta salad.
- Southern potato salad.
- Classic carrot salad.
- Avocado Chicken salad.
⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this Fattoush Salad recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Fattoush Salad
Ingredients
To Fry The Pita Bread
- 2 small pita bread cut into medium squares
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For The Dressing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon dry min
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Juice of one lemon
The Vegetables (Other than the onion, cut the rest of the vegetables into medium size)
- 1 medium onion cut into thin slices
- 8 lettuce leaves
- 3 red radish cut into medium slices
- 3 cucumbers cut to medium size
- 1 large tomato deseeded cut into cubes
- ⅓ cup mint chopped
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
Instructions
Frying the Pita Bread:
- In a pan, add the pita bread along with some olive oil. Cook until the bread is brown and crisp, then set it aside.
Making the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
Preparing the Fattoush:
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped vegetables and mix them well. Arrange the fried pita bread around the salad, but do not mix the pita bread with the salad until you are ready to serve, as it will become soggy.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Sumac: Sumac is a key ingredient in fattoush. It adds a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Serve Fresh: Fattoush is best served immediately after adding the dressing to keep the pita bread crispy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Add or swap vegetables like bell peppers, green onions, or even avocado for a twist.
- Make Ahead: Prep the vegetables and dressing in advance, but fry the pita bread and combine everything right before serving.
I love a nice crunch in my salad, and these pita chips wound like a perfect way to do that!
Thanks for stopping by Jeff. This salad is loved by family and you are right, what makes it tastier and more delicious are the pita chips 😊