Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Levantine salad that bursts with flavor and texture. It is a beloved dish across the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The salad features a colorful array of fresh vegetables and herbs, combined with crispy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Typically, the vegetables used in fattoush include lettuce, cucumber, tomato, radish, and red onion, although variations may include additional ingredients such as bell peppers or mint leaves. The vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces, contributing to the salad’s hearty and satisfying nature.
One of the defining elements of fattoush is the inclusion of toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. These bread pieces add a crunchy texture and absorb the flavors of the salad dressing, providing a unique and delicious element to each bite.
The dressing for fattoush is simple yet flavorful, consisting of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and sometimes a sprinkle of sumac—a tart, crimson-colored spice common in Middle Eastern cuisine. This dressing enhances the freshness of the vegetables and complements the earthy tones of the bread.
Fattoush is often served as a starter or side dish alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or other Middle Eastern specialties. Its light and zesty flavor profile make it a perfect accompaniment to rich and savory dishes, balancing out the meal with its bright and refreshing qualities.
Overall, fattoush is a celebration of seasonal produce and traditional flavors, embodying the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its simple yet delicious ingredients and vibrant presentation.
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Fattoush Salad
Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl: A spacious bowl to toss all the salad ingredients together.
- Cutting board and knife For chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Toaster or Oven: To toast the pita bread until crispy. Alternatively, you can fry the pita bread in a pan with a little oil.
- Whisk or fork For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
- Small Mixing Bowl: To prepare the salad dressing.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring ingredients, particularly for the dressing.
- Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: To toss and serve the salad.
- Optional: Salad Spinner: To wash and dry lettuce and herbs efficiently.
Ingredients
For The Salad:
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce or other lettuce of your choice, chopped
- 1 pita bread, toasted or fried until crispy
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (Optional)
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sumac (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, parsley, mint, lettuce, and bell pepper (if using). Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Tear the toasted or fried pita bread into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss the salad gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Fattoush salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
