Fresh Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pita and Lemon Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad known for its fresh vegetables and crispy toasted pita. It’s a simple, refreshing dish that makes a perfect side or light meal any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 pita breads
• 3 cups mixed fresh vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers), chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pita breads until crisp, then break them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the lemon dressing.
3. Step 3: Add the toasted pita pieces to the bowl and gently mix to combine just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use stale pita for extra crunch when toasted.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or parsley for more flavor.
• Try adding sumac to the lemon dressing for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store the salad without the toasted pita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted pita separate and add it just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of pita?

Yes, other flatbreads or even crunchy croutons can work well as an alternative to pita in fattoush.

Is fattoush traditionally served with any protein?

Fattoush is typically a vegetarian salad but can be served alongside grilled meats or chickpeas for added protein.

Fresh Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pita and Lemon Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 147 reviews

Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad featuring crispy toasted pita bread combined with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect light and flavorful dish.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped radishes
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Pita Bread

• 2 pita breads, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting pita)

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: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the pita pieces and toast them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, chopped radishes, green onions, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients well.
3. Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
4. Toss Salad: Pour the lemon dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add Toasted Pita: Just before serving, add the toasted pita pieces to the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring the pita remains crispy.

Notes

• Sumac is a tangy Middle Eastern spice that adds an authentic flavor to the dressing; if unavailable, substitute with extra lemon juice.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita bread or toasted gluten-free crackers.
• Serve immediately after adding pita to maintain its crunchiness.
• Adjust salt and lemon juice according to taste preferences.

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