Lebanese Fattoush Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful Salad

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If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful salad, you have to try this authentic Lebanese Fattoush recipe. This classic dish combines crispy pita bread with a medley of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a perfect way to add a taste of Lebanon to your meal.

What makes Fattoush unique is the inclusion of sumac, a spice that gives the salad its signature tangy flavor. You’ll love how the crispy pita bread pairs with the fresh crunch of the veggies. The combination of flavors and textures makes this salad truly irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a new side dish, Fattoush is an easy and delicious option. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a regular part of your menu!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

You’ll need several fresh ingredients for an authentic Lebanese Fattoush salad. Here’s a list to get you started:

Vegetables:

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh. You can use iceberg lettuce if you prefer.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe. Cherry tomatoes work well too.
• Cucumbers: Fresh and crunchy. Persian cucumbers are a great option.
• Green Peppers: Sweet and slightly bitter. Bell peppers are also good.

Additional Veggies:

• Radishes: Spicy and crunchy. If you don’t like radishes, try using carrots.
• Green Onions: Mild and savory. Red onions can be a substitute.
• Parsley: Fresh and bright. Cilantro can be used but will change the flavor.

Bread:

• Pita Bread: Toasted or fried until golden brown. You can use store-bought pita chips.

Dressing:

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
• Sumac: Adds a tangy flavor. Zaatar can be a substitute, though it has a different taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced. Use garlic powder if necessary.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Here’s a simple table listing the ingredients and their possible substitutes:

Ingredient	Possible Substitute
Romaine Lettuce	Iceberg Lettuce
Tomatoes	Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumbers	Persian Cucumbers
Green Peppers	Bell Peppers
Radishes	Carrots
Green Onions	Red Onions
Parsley	Cilantro
Pita Bread	Store-bought Pita Chips
Sumac	Zaatar
Garlic	Garlic Powder

This mix will give you a fresh and vibrant salad full of flavor and texture. Enjoy making it your own with the suggested substitutes if you need to!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pita Bread:

   • Cut the pita bread into 1-inch squares.
   • Toss the pieces with a bit of olive oil and salt.
   • Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
   • Slice the tomatoes and cucumbers into small chunks.
   • Dice the green peppers, radishes, and green onions.
   • Add chopped parsley for extra flavor.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together:
     • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
     • Juice of 1 lemon
     • 1 tablespoon sumac
     • 1 minced garlic clove (optional)
     • Salt, to taste

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Place the chopped vegetables into a large salad bowl.
   • Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
   • Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Add the Crispy Pita:

   • Just before serving, add the crispy pita squares to the salad.
   • Toss again lightly to ensure the pita pieces are well mixed in.

Enjoy your delicious Lebanese Fattoush Salad!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables make a big difference in fattoush. Make sure your tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens are crisp and vibrant.

Toast or Fry the Pita
For the best crunchy texture, either bake or fry the pita bread pieces until they’re golden brown and crisp. Be sure to toss them with a bit of oil and salt first.

Balance the Dressing
The dressing is key. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and minced garlic. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before adding it to the salad.

Serve Immediately
Fattoush is best served fresh. Once the dressing is added, the vegetables and pita can become soggy quickly. Toss everything together just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Storing Leftovers
If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing and salad components separate. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can keep the salad fresh and just combine them when you’re ready to eat.

Using an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a great way to make crispy pita chips. Simply slice the pita, season, and cook at 350ºF for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Customization
Feel free to add in other vegetables or herbs you like. Mint and parsley are common additions that bring extra flavor to your fattoush.

Remember, simple modifications can personalize your fattoush and make it perfect for your taste!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

When making Lebanese Fattoush, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what’s available in your kitchen.

• Greens: Instead of just romaine lettuce, you can mix in baby spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens.
• Vegetables: Add or replace with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Herbs: While parsley is a must, you can also add mint or cilantro for a different flavor.

You can play around with how the pita bread is prepared.

• Air Fryer: Coat pita pieces with olive oil and air fry at 350ºF for about 5 minutes until golden.
• Baked: Toss pita with oil and salt, spread on a baking sheet, and bake until crisp, stirring occasionally.
• Fried: Deep fry the pita pieces until golden, adding extra crunch to your salad.

Explore different toppings and dressings.

• Toppings: Add crumbled feta cheese, olives, or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Dressings: While the classic dressing has lemon juice and olive oil, try adding a bit of pomegranate molasses for a sweet twist. Or, add garlic for more zest.

Serving suggestions make your Fattoush more appealing and delicious.

• Platter: Serve it on a large platter for family-style servings.
• Wrap: Stuff the salad into pita bread for a handheld meal.
• Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or fish for a balanced meal.

Experiment with these ideas to make your Fattoush unique and enjoyable!