Fattoush Salad

For more delicious Lebanese salads, try my Hindbeh and Lebanese Eggplant Salad recipes.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Split the pita bread in half to get two equal-sized cheeks.

Cut the pita into bite-sized squares or strips.

Toss the pita pieces with the extra virgin olive oil and the sumac.

Spread the pita pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even baking.

Remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 2

Rinse all the vegetables thoroughly.

Chop the salad and place it in a large salad bowl, together with the sliced radishes, chopped cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 3

Now, on to the dressing.

In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, sumac, and salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk well to emulsify the dressing.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated.

Add the cooled, crispy pita chips to the salad and gently toss again.

Step 5

Serve immediately to ensure the pita chips remain crispy.

Optionally, garnish with additional sumac or pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Goes well with

I love to serve fattoush as a side to my barbecue dishes, such as the family favourite Shish Tawook or tangy Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses.

FAQ

What is Lebanese Fattoush?

Lebanese Fattoush is a traditional Lebanese salad made with a mix of fresh vegetables, toasted or fried pieces of pita bread, and a tangy dressing primarily featuring sumac and pomegranate molasses. It's a staple in Lebanese cuisine known for its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture​.

What are the main ingredients in Fattoush?

The main ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, green onions, green peppers, mint, parsley, and toasted or fried pita bread. The dressing typically consists of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, and pomegranate molasses​.

How do you prepare the pita bread for Fattoush?

The pita bread can be either toasted or fried. To toast, cut the pita into small pieces and bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until crispy. To fry, heat oil in a pan and fry the pita pieces until golden and crispy. This adds a delightful crunch to the salad.

What makes the Fattoush dressing unique?

The dressing for Fattoush is unique due to the inclusion of sumac, a tangy, lemony spice, and pomegranate molasses, which adds a sweet and slightly sour flavor. These ingredients give Fattoush its distinctive taste.

Can Fattoush be made in advance?

While you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing in advance, it is best to combine them just before serving to ensure the pita bread remains crispy. If left too long, the bread can become soggy​​.

Is Fattoush suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, Fattoush is naturally vegan as it consists of fresh vegetables and a plant-based dressing.

How do you store leftover Fattoush?

Store leftover Fattoush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for best results, store the vegetables and dressing separately and mix them with newly baked/fried pita bread just before eating to maintain the salad's texture​.

What can you serve with Fattoush?

Fattoush can be served as a side dish with any other Lebanese main course or as part of a mezze platter. But it's also great on its own for a light and refreshing meal.

What variations can be made to the traditional Fattoush recipe?

Variations of Fattoush can include adding other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. You can also add a bit of feta cheese for extra flavor, though this would make it non-vegan. Adjusting the amount of sumac and pomegranate molasses can also personalize the taste to your preference​. If you love Lebanese spices, consider replacing subtle sumac with a pinch of 7-Spice mix.