Refreshing Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pita and Lemon Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Fattoush salad is a vibrant Middle Eastern dish that combines fresh vegetables with crispy toasted pita bread for a delightful crunch. Its tangy lemon dressing adds a refreshing zing, making it perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Ingredients

• Vegetables (such as cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and lettuce), chopped
• Pita bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
• Lemon dressing (fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and sumac if available)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pita bread pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven until crisp and golden brown.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the lemon dressing until well coated.
3. Step 3: Add the toasted pita pieces to the salad just before serving and gently toss to combine.

Tips & Variations

• Use sumac in the dressing for an authentic tangy flavor.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
• For a gluten-free option, replace pita bread with toasted gluten-free crackers or omit altogether.

Storage

Store the salad components separately if not serving immediately to prevent sogginess. Keep the chopped vegetables and dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toast the pita bread fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make fattoush salad ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the toasted pita pieces separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I use if I don’t have sumac?

If sumac is unavailable, a splash of extra lemon juice or a pinch of ground lemon zest can provide a similar tangy taste.

Refreshing Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pita and Lemon Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 140 reviews

Fattoush Salad is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad featuring crisp mixed vegetables and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a crunchy, tangy, and vibrant dish perfect as a light lunch or a side salad.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 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 cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped radishes
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Pita Bread

• 2 pita breads
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting)

Lemon Dressing

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast Pita: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Brush the pita breads lightly with olive oil and toast them for 2-3 minutes on each side until crisp and golden. Remove and break into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop all the fresh vegetables and herbs as described, combining them in a large salad bowl.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Toss Salad: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the vegetables and add the toasted pita pieces. Toss everything gently to combine so the dressing coats the vegetables and the pita remains slightly crunchy.
5. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between crisp vegetables and toasted pita bread.

Notes

• Sumac adds a unique tart flavor typical to Fattoush – if unavailable, substitute with a little extra lemon juice.
• Serve the salad immediately after tossing to keep the pita bread crunchy.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita or omit the pita and add toasted gluten-free crackers.
• Adjust the lemon and garlic quantities to taste.

Keywords: Fattoush, Middle Eastern salad, pita salad, lemon dressing, sumac, Mediterranean cuisine