Fattoush Salad

Contents… What Is It? Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Scrumptious Salad Recipes to Try Watch How to Make It

What is Fattoush?

Fattoush is actually a bread salad believed to have originated in Lebanon, although the name has Turkish origins. It was made popular by Lebanese farmers because they often made it to enjoy fresh veggies and pita bites.

The classic fattoush recipe includes pita bread pieces broken into bite-sized pieces. Hence the name fattoush, which comes from the Arabic word fatt, means crumbs. Pita bites are tossed with fresh veggies, like cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, or whatever is in season, then tossed in olive oil for flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

Fresh Produce

1. Fresh Vegetables – Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and radishes proved the perfect crunch, and then tomatoes balance the sweetness with delicious acidity. You can also use iceberg lettuce for the same crispy texture. Make sure to get fresh, so they have that crunch that adds fantastic textures.
2. Herbs – Don’t skip the parsley and mint because you don’t wanna miss its bright and fresh flavor.
3. Red Onion – I chose red onion because the flavor is stronger and more savory than white onion. Plus, it adds a gorgeous color. But you can easily replace it with white onions if that’s what you have on hand.

Dressing

8. Olive Oil – I use extra virgin oil for this recipe because it has more character than regular olive oil. You can still use refined olive oil; however, the salad won’t be as flavorful.
9. Garlic – I hated garlic as a child but have grown to love them as I get older. Scratch that! I meant wiser, not older. Anyway, I really love garlic! It makes this dressing more mouthwatering. 😉 Here’s How to Mince Garlic to guide you in cutting your garlic.
10. Lemon Juice – This bright and citrusy flavor infusion adds life to the salad. You can easily swap it with apple cider vinegar if you prefer. 😉
11. Honey – Of course, a little sweetness balances the lemon’s acidity. But you can substitute it with sugar. 😉
12. Seasoning – Za’atar is a classic Middle Eastern spice blend with cumin, thyme, sumac, marjoram, and sesame seeds. An all-around seasoning that goes well with almost anything, from salad to dips. Or you can just make Za’atar Seasoning from scratch.

Pita Chips

13. Pita – Don’t waste your day-old pita; just turn it into a hearty fattoush salad. To crisp them up, toast them in the pan or oven. You can also substitute it with flour tortillas.
14. Garlic and Chili Powder – Powdered herbs and spices capture all the flavor without added moisture. And because I love spicy, I throw in some cayenne and pepper flakes!

How to Make Fattoush Salad

Make the Dressing

1. Whisk – In a small bowl or mason jar, add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zaatar seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper. Then whisk or shake vigorously to blend all the ingredients. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper or lemon juice. (Photos 1-2)
2. Seal and Refrigerate – Seal or cover dressing and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made a day ahead.

Prepare the Vegetables and Pita Chips

3. Combine – Combine spices and oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Prep the Cookie Sheet – Line a cookie or sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
5. Cut Pita – Cut the pita pockets or bread into triangular-shaped pieces, then place them in the prepared cookie sheet pan. (Photos 3-4)
6. Season the pita pieces with spice mixture; you can brush the chips. (Photo 5)
7. Bake Until Crispy – Bake them at 400°F/205℃ for 7-15 minutes or until slightly brown and crispy. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of pita chips. Then let them cool. (Photo 6)

Mix the Salad

8. Add the Veggies – Add tomatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, radish, sliced onions, chopped mint, and parsley to a salad bowl.
9. Dress It – Pour about ½ cup of salad dressing and toss to combine. Continue adding more dressing as needed to suit taste buds. (Photo 7)
10. Add Pita Chips – Add ½ of baked pita chips, toss and serve with more chips and remaining dressing, as desired. Enjoy! (Photo 8)

Recipe Variations

• More Veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, celery, and green onions are great additions.
• Cheese – Everything is better with cheese! Add some shredded cheddar as toppings or crumbled feta or goat cheese to make this salad more delectable.
• Meat – Add some shredded or roasted chicken to make your salad more fantastic. 😉 Meat deli like ham and bacon are also perfect.
• Nuts – Toasted almonds, cashews, or peanuts add nutty flavors and texture. You’ll love the extra crunchy goodness in every bite!

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh veggies because the best salads have the freshest vegetables! And don’t forget to wash them thoroughly.
• Cut your veggies in uniform slices and sizes to make them pleasing to the eyes.
• If you can’t find Za’atar seasoning, sumac and thyme will do the trick.
• Pulse the dressing in a blender or food processor so it emulsifies and won’t separate.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• You can prepare and cut the vegetables ahead and place them in an airtight container. Make sure the veggies aren’t wet, so they don’t go bad as quickly. They should stay fresh in the fridge for two days.
• You can also make the dressing a week ahead and keep it in a clean glass jar. It should last in the fridge for a month.

FAQs

What to Serve with Fattoush Salad

This hearty, healthy Fattoush salad makes a great appetizer or side dish for the mouthwatering dishes below.

• Rasta Pasta
• Pan-Seared Salmon
• Smoked Pork Chops
• Oven Tri-Tip Roast
• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

More Scrumptious Salad Recipes to Try

• Ranch Potato Salad
• Cajun Chicken Avocado Salad
• Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Check out my collection of Quick and Easy Summer Salad Recipes.

Conclusion

Revamp your usual fresh salad with toasted pita chips and unique dressing infused with Za’atar seasoning for an amazing Mediterranean twist. You’ll surely love its bright and refreshing vibe to help you cool down this summer. Oh yes! Would you like more amazing comfort-food recipes? Sign up for my newsletter for the latest.❤️

Watch How to Make It

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