Description
Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad that features fresh vegetables and herbs tossed with crispy toasted pita pieces and a tangy, zesty dressing made with sumac and pomegranate syrup. This refreshing salad combines crunchy textures and bold flavors, making it perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pita bread
- 1 large tomato, diced, seeds removed
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one yellow), pith and seeds removed, cut into long strips
- 1 cucumber, peeled and cut in rounds
- 5 radishes, sliced
- 2 whole scallions, chopped
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, purslane, or other wild greens
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
Spices and Dressing
- 1 to 3 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 teaspoons pomegranate syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pita: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Separate the pita bread into two rounds and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the pita is very crisp but not browned. This will give the pita a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the fresh veggies.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced tomato, red onion, long strips of red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber rounds, sliced radishes, and chopped scallions. Add the romaine lettuce or purslane and the coarsely chopped fresh mint. Sprinkle the salad with 1 to 3 teaspoons of ground sumac and 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Toss gently to mix the flavors.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, juice of half a lemon, pomegranate syrup, salt, and ground pepper. Just before serving, give the dressing a quick whisk to ensure it is well combined.
- Combine and serve: Break the toasted pita into 1-inch pieces and add them to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to evenly coat the vegetables and pita pieces. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ground sumac can be found at Middle Eastern markets or specialty spice shops; it adds a tangy, lemony flavor that is signature to fattoush.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pita with gluten-free crispbread or omit altogether.
- To enhance the freshness, prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead but toss with pita just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- Pomegranate syrup adds sweetness and acidity; if unavailable, use pomegranate molasses or a mix of pomegranate juice with a little sugar and lemon juice as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: fattoush, Middle Eastern salad, pita salad, sumac, fresh vegetable salad, pomegranate syrup, healthy salad, vegetarian, Mediterranean
