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Refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad

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Refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad

Fattoush is a beloved Lebanese bread salad, traditionally made to utilize leftover pita. It's a staple of the Lebanese mezze table, known for its fresh herbs, diverse vegetables, and the distinctive tangy flavor of sumac.

4 servings (default)Lebanon

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • For the Salad
  • 2 large, split open and torn into bite-sized pieces Pita breads
  • 2 chopped into bite-sized pieces Romaine lettuce hearts
  • 2 large, diced Tomatoes
  • 2 diced (or 1 English cucumber) Lebanese cucumbers (or English cucumber)
  • 1 small, thinly sliced Red onion
  • 1 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
  • ½ cup, chopped Fresh mint
  • 1 cup Purslane leaves (or watercress/arugula)
  • 2 thinly sliced Radishes
  • 2 diced Green peppers (optional)
  • For the Dressing
  • ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon, plus extra for sprinkling Sumac
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1 clove, minced Garlic (optional)
  • For Frying Bread
  • Vegetable oil

Method

  1. 1

    Prepare the crispy pita

    2 min

    Heat about 1 cm of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the torn pita pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and become perfectly crispy. This usually takes about 2 minutes per batch. Remove the fried pita with a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, and lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still warm.

  2. 2

    Assemble the fresh salad base

    In a generously sized salad bowl, combine all the fresh salad ingredients: the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, purslane leaves, sliced radishes, and diced green peppers (if using).

  3. 3

    Whisk the vibrant dressing

    In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac, salt, ground black pepper, and minced garlic (if you prefer it). Mix well until the sumac fully dissolves, giving the dressing its signature reddish hue and tangy aroma.

  4. 4

    Dress the salad

    Just before you're ready to serve, pour the freshly prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large salad bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece is lightly coated, but be careful not to over-mix to preserve the delicate texture of the herbs.

  5. 5

    Add the crispy touch

    Finally, add the golden, crispy fried pita pieces to the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the bread without making it soggy. The aim is for the bread to absorb some dressing while retaining its delightful crunch.

  6. 6

    Garnish and serve

    Transfer the Fattoush to a beautiful serving platter. For an authentic touch and an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle generously with additional sumac right before bringing it to the table. Enjoy immediately as a vibrant mezze dish or a refreshing side.