Authentic Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is a colorful, crunchy, and incredibly refreshing staple from the Levantine region, especially popular in Lebanese and Syrian cuisine. A celebration of fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy toasted pita bread, this salad is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette typically infused with sumac, a spice that adds a distinct citrusy kick. Fattoush is a wonderful way to use up day-old pita and is commonly served as part of a mezze spread or as a light and healthy meal on its own.
Whether you’re exploring Middle Eastern cuisine or looking to liven up your salad game, this Fattoush Salad recipe brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch that make it unforgettable. Let’s dive into every detail you need to create this beautiful dish from scratch.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?
- Vibrant and Refreshing: Packed with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing.
- Healthy and Light: It’s low in calories but high in nutrients and flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The salad components can be chopped ahead, and pita toasted in advance.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Authentic Taste: Features traditional ingredients like sumac and pomegranate molasses for true Middle Eastern flavor.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Fattoush Salad ?
Here’s everything you need to make an authentic, flavorful Fattoush Salad.
🥬 Salad Ingredients:
- 2 large pita breads (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting the pita)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍋 For the Sumac Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Easy Fattoush Salad Step-by-Step ?
🔥 Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Pita
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pita bread into small squares or triangles.
- Toss them with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Let cool.
🥒 Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
- While the pita toasts, wash and chop the romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, green onions, and herbs.
- Ensure everything is bite-sized and evenly chopped for easy eating and presentation.
🥄 Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, red wine vinegar, sumac, minced garlic, and salt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
🥗 Step 4: Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and herbs.
- Add the toasted pita pieces (reserve a few for garnish if desired).
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
🌿 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
- Garnish with additional mint, parsley, or a sprinkle of sumac.
🌀 Variations
Fattoush is a versatile salad with plenty of room for personalization. Here are some tasty variations:
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, falafel, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Swap in diced bell peppers, avocado, or shredded carrots depending on the season.
- Different Greens: Mix arugula or baby spinach with romaine for added flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Crumble some feta cheese over the top for a creamy, salty contrast.
- Spiced Pita: Before baking, season pita with za’atar or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- No Pomegranate Molasses? Use a little honey and extra lemon juice for sweetness and tang.
🧾 Cooking Note
Fattoush is all about balance: the right crunch from the pita, the bright flavors from herbs and vegetables, and the perfect tang from the sumac-laced dressing. Toasting the pita rather than frying makes this salad lighter and healthier without sacrificing texture. Be sure to let the pita cool before mixing it in, as this preserves its crunch.
Sumac is essential for authenticity. If you can’t find it, try a mix of lemon zest and a little paprika as a substitute, but for best results, source sumac from a Middle Eastern store or online.
Don’t over-dress the salad if you’re not serving it immediately add the pita and dressing right before serving to keep it crispy and fresh. Lastly, always taste your dressing before tossing. The acidity level can vary depending on the lemon juice or vinegar you use, so adjust accordingly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Fattoush is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s a popular mezze dish, making it a perfect starter alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh. You can also serve it as a light main course for lunch, especially when topped with grilled chicken, fish, or chickpeas.
It pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern grilled meats like shish tawook, kofta kebabs, or lamb skewers. For a vegetarian meal, try it with lentil soup or stuffed grape leaves.
If you’re entertaining, serve Fattoush on a large platter as part of a Mediterranean-style buffet. Add a few lemon wedges on the side and a small bowl of extra dressing so guests can customize their plates.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use Day-Old Pita: Slightly stale pita crisps up better in the oven and is ideal for this recipe.
- Don’t Overload with Dressing: Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley and mint for the most vibrant, authentic flavor.
- Chop Evenly: Uniform vegetable sizes make for a better texture and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Once dressed, serve the salad within 15 minutes for optimal crunch.
- Cool Pita First: Let the pita cool completely after toasting to retain its crispness.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the dressing.
- Make it Vegan-Friendly: It’s naturally vegan just ensure any protein add-ons are plant-based if needed.
- Double the Batch: Easily scale the recipe for parties or gatherings.
🏆 Tips for the Best Fattoush Salad
- Balance the Acidity: The dressing should be tangy but not overpowering. Adjust lemon juice or molasses to taste.
- Crisp the Pita Right: Don’t underbake the pita aim for golden and crunchy.
- Sumac is Key: Don’t skip it it gives the salad its signature flavor.
- Layer, Don’t Soak: Add pita just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
- Cool Ingredients: Ensure veggies are chilled; it gives a refreshing bite.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes (toasting pita)
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
🧮 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
❓ FAQs
What is Fattoush Salad made of?
Fattoush Salad consists of crispy pita bread, fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato, herbs like parsley and mint, and a tangy sumac dressing.
Can I make Fattoush Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the veggies and dressing in advance, but combine with the pita and dress it just before serving to maintain crunch.
Is sumac necessary?
While optional, sumac provides a unique tangy flavor that defines authentic Fattoush. You can substitute with lemon zest in a pinch.
What does pomegranate molasses do?
It adds a sweet-tart depth to the dressing. If unavailable, use a touch of honey and more lemon juice.
Can I use store-bought pita chips?
Yes, but homemade toasted pita is more authentic and customizable in flavor.
📝 Conclusion
Fattoush Salad is more than just a side dish it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and Middle Eastern culinary tradition. With its satisfying crunch, refreshing vegetables, and bold dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion, from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Make it your own with seasonal veggies or added protein, but always keep the basics: crispy pita, fresh herbs, and that unmistakable zing of sumac. Once you taste it, Fattoush will become a permanent feature in your salad rotation.
Ready to bring the flavors of Lebanon to your table? Try this Fattoush Salad today—it might just become your new favorite!
