Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad is a colorful, tangy, and refreshing dish that comes from the Levant region, particularly popular in Lebanon and Syria. It is a type of bread salad, similar in concept to Italy’s panzanella, but with bold Middle Eastern flavors. The base is made from fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions, all chopped into bite-sized pieces. The unique element that sets fattoush apart is the addition of crispy fried or toasted pieces of pita bread, which soak up the dressing while keeping some crunch.

The dressing is what truly defines this salad. It typically features olive oil, lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of sumac, a deep red spice that adds a tangy, slightly citrusy note. Some versions also include garlic, pomegranate molasses, or fresh herbs like parsley and mint for extra freshness. The combination of zesty dressing, crunchy bread, and juicy vegetables makes every bite bright and satisfying.

Fattoush is often served as part of a mezze spread, alongside dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh. It works beautifully as a side for grilled meats or fish, but it is also hearty enough to enjoy on its own as a light lunch. The mix of textures and flavors keeps it interesting from the first bite to the last.

One of the nice things about fattoush is its adaptability. While there are traditional ingredients, it is common for home cooks to use whatever seasonal vegetables they have on hand. This makes it not only a flavorful choice but also a practical one, reducing food waste by turning leftover bread and produce into something vibrant and delicious.

Beyond taste, fattoush brings a sense of comfort and community. In many Middle Eastern households, it is a regular feature on the table, especially during gatherings and Ramadan iftar meals. It is simple to prepare yet feels special, a dish that celebrates freshness, texture, and balance.

With its crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and that addictive crunch from the pita, fattoush salad is a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors. It is proof that healthy food can be full of character, satisfying, and anything but boring.

Fattoush Salad

3.69 from 138 votes

A refreshing Middle Eastern salad that combines fresh vegetables with crispy pita and a tangy dressing.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pieces pita bread cut into pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup cucumber chopped
• 1 cup lettuce chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil for dressing
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon sumac for dressing
• 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the pita bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, mint leaves, and parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Add the crispy pita pieces and gently toss again.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Fattoush Salad!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Calories: 180kcal

Meal Type: Salad

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Cuisine

Keyword: Middle Eastern, salad, vegetarian

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Keto

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

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