Fattoush Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this Fattoush Salad recipe because it’s a vibrant, crunchy taste of the Mediterranean that brings a refreshing zip with every bite, thanks to the delightful mix of herbs and the tangy pomegranate molasses. Plus, those homemade sumac-spiced pita chips add the perfect satisfying crunch that makes this dish irresistibly addictive and Instagram-worthy!

My Fattoush Salad is a brilliant testament to fresh ingredients and features crispy pita bread, zesty sumac, and a medley of refreshing vegetables. They include
romaine lettuce,
cherry tomatoes, and
cucumbers.

I love the intensely flavored Fattoush Salad, the complexity and depth of which I attribute to pomegranate molasses and an ample dose of fresh lemon juice. Parsley and mint add a fragrant note, while optional feta cheese increases the flavor profile and adds another creamy element.

Pigeons are optional.

Ingredients

• Pita Bread: Provides carbohydrates and a satisfying crunch when toasted.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Sumac: Offers a tangy, lemony flavor and vibrant color.
• Romaine Lettuce: Low in calories, high in fiber and crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and crisp, adding freshness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty flavor and contains antioxidants.
• Radishes: Peppery bite and rich in vitamin C and folate.
• Fresh Mint: Refreshes with a cool, aromatic flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pieces of pita bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup radishes, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground sumac (additional for seasoning)

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Cut the pita bread into small triangular shapes and lay them out on a baking sheet.

2. The pita triangles should be drizzled with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. They should then be sprinkled with 1 teaspoon sumac and tossed to coat evenly.

3. Pita triangles bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. They should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool before serving.

4. In a big salad bowl, mix together the romaine lettuce (chopped), cherry tomatoes (halved), cucumber (diced), red onion (sliced), and radishes (sliced).

5. Include the parsley and mint, both fresh and finely chopped, into the salad bowl.

6. If you are utilizing it, scatter the crumbled feta cheese over the combined vegetables.

7. In a tiny basin or container, mix the lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and extra ground sumac. Add salt and pepper to your liking and give it all a good whisk.

8. Dress the salad with the dressing and toss gently so that all the ingredients and flavors can come together.

9. Put the crispy baked pita chips in the salad right before serving to make certain they stay crunchy.

10. Present Fattoush Salad as a fresh starter, with the optionally desired burst of sumac. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Salad bowl
6. Small mixing bowl or container
7. Whisk
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups

FAQ

• What is sumac and can I substitute it?Sumac is a sour, lemon-flavored spice used in many dishes throughout the Middle East. When sumac isn’t available, as it often isn’t, a close substitute can be made with lemon zest and a little salt.
• How can I make this Fattoush salad gluten-free?For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or simply leave out the pita for a very tasty grain-free version of the salad.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?The salad can be made in advance, but it is preferable to add the pita bread and dressing just before serving so that the bread remains crisp and the vegetables fresh.
• What can I use instead of pomegranate molasses?If you cannot find pomegranate molasses, try using balsamic glaze. Or alternate with this mix of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.
• Is the feta cheese necessary?Feta cheese is not a requirement. If you would rather have a version suitable for vegans, you can most certainly leave it out or use a cheese substitute that is friendly to the vegan diet.
• Can I add other vegetables or herbs?Definitely! You’re free to personalize the salad by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, or herbs like cilantro.
• How do I keep the pita crispy?Brown the pita bread in the oven and then tear it into pieces before adding it to the salad. This will help ensure that the pieces stay crisp, while adding the flavor of toasted bread.

Substitutions and Variations

If pita bread is not available, you can use tortilla chips or flatbread instead; they have a similar texture.
You can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead of olive oil to achieve a unique flavor. Avatar oil and grapeseed oil can be used instead of olive oil to achieve the flavor of oil used in this dish. For a flavor twist, use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Instead of olive oil, you may use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor twist.
If sumac is not available, you can substitute a similar tangy flavor by mixing lemon zest with a bit of paprika.
In the absence of cherry tomatoes, we can use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes as a substitute.
Balsamic vinegar mixed with a bit of honey or sugar can stand in for pomegranate molasses, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra punch of flavor, lightly brush the pita bread with garlic-infused olive oil before baking to add a subtle garlic aroma to your pita chips.

2. To maintain the crispiness of the pita chips, keep them separate from the salad and mix them in only right before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

3. Enhance the tangy flavor profile by adding a splash of red wine vinegar or additional lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the pomegranate molasses.

4. For a more authentic touch, consider incorporating a few tablespoons of pickled turnips into the salad for added color and a tangy contrast.

5. To elevate the freshness of the salad, chill all the ingredients in the refrigerator before assembling. This will result in a crisp and refreshing salad experience.