Traditional Lebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 large pita breads
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 bunch radishes, sliced
1 English cucumber, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tear the pita bread into bite-sized pieces, then toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Arrange the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
While the bread is baking, prepare your vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced radishes, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, diced peppers, sliced onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
For the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Just before serving, add the toasted pita bread to the salad and toss again to mix. The bread should soak up some of the dressing.
Serve the fattoush immediately, as the bread will begin to soften.

Tools for making

Baking sheet - Used to bake the pita bread.
Large bowl - For mixing and tossing the salad.
Whisk - Used to combine the ingredients for the dressing.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat pita bread instead of regular pita bread for a healthier option.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Replace the romaine lettuce with mixed greens or baby spinach.
Include some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.
Add some chopped olives for a salty and briny twist.
Sprinkle sumac powder on top for a tangy and citrusy flavor.
Include some chopped avocados for a creamy and buttery element.
Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
Swap the lemon juice with pomegranate molasses for a unique and sweet-tart dressing.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the pita bread with gluten-free bread or gluten-free pita bread.

Recipe overview

Fattoush is a delightful Middle Eastern salad that is both refreshing and filling. At its heart, it's a bread salad, typically made with toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. In this recipe, we're adding a colorful array of veggies including lettuce, radishes, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add a wonderful aroma and flavor. The salad is brought together with a tangy lemon and garlic dressing that the pita bread soaks up beautifully. Quick and simple to make, Fattoush is a perfect dish to serve as a light lunch, side dish, or a healthy addition to your dinner table. Enjoy this burst of freshness straight from the Middle East!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as whole wheat pita or even toasted flatbread.
Can I add or substitute other vegetables? Absolutely! Fattoush is a versatile salad, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your taste preferences. Some popular additions include diced avocado, shredded carrots, or chopped red cabbage.
Is it necessary to use both parsley and mint? While the combination of parsley and mint gives Fattoush its distinctive flavor, you can use either herb on its own if you prefer. Adjust the quantity based on your taste.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before adding it to the salad.
Can I make a larger batch of Fattoush? Certainly! Simply double or triple the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Just make sure to toss the salad well to evenly distribute the dressing.
Can I make Fattoush in advance? It is best to prepare Fattoush shortly before serving to ensure the bread stays crispy. If you need to make it in advance, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine them with the toasted bread just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine the salad ingredients.
Whisk - To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Baking sheet - To bake the pita bread until crispy.
Oven - To preheat and bake the pita bread.
Sharp knife - For chopping lettuce, slicing radishes, and dicing vegetables.
Cutting board - To safely chop and slice the vegetables.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Serving platter - To present the Fattoush salad.
Salad tongs - To toss and serve the salad.

Origin stories

Fattoush, a vibrant and refreshing salad, hails from the Levantine region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. Steeped in the ethos of frugality and zero waste, this dish was traditionally a way to use up stale pita bread. It's said that in the olden days, resourceful housewives would toss together leftover vegetables and herbs from their gardens with toasted pieces of bread, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that belied its humble origins. To this day, each bite of Fattoush carries the echo of a time when nothing was wasted and every meal was a celebration of simplicity and sustainability.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.