Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) is a zesty, vibrant dish that brings a big burst of freshness to your table with every bite. Crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, peppery radishes, and fragrant herbs mingle with shards of toasted pita, all tossed in a tangy sumac-kissed dressing. This beloved salad is as much about bright flavors as it is about irresistible textures, and it’s the kind of thing you’ll crave on both balmy summer days and cozy weeknights alike. If you haven’t made your own Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) before, get ready for a dish that’s as cheerful and colorful as it is easy — and you’ll soon understand why it’s a staple throughout the Middle East.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) sing is how every simple ingredient brings its own wow factor — from bold herbs and crisp veggies to the satisfying crunch of gorgeously golden pita bread. You probably have many of these pantry and fridge staples already, but together, they deliver unmatched taste and color.
- Romaine lettuce: Brings impeccable crunch and creates the leafy heart of the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness contrast beautifully with the other fresh ingredients.
- Cucumber: Adds coolness and extra crunch, which is completely essential in this salad.
- Radishes: Peppery zing in every slice, plus wonderful pops of color.
- Green onions: Offer mild sharpness and a fragrant bite to round out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, leafy, and essential for an authentic herby punch.
- Fresh mint: Delivers unique, refreshing notes that set Fattoush apart from other bread salads.
- Pita breads: Toasted until beautifully crisp, then broken into bite-size pieces for crunch and body.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, silky base for the dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tang and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Red wine vinegar: Boosts acidity and depth, perfectly balancing the richness of the oil.
- Sumac: The secret weapon for that signature tart, lemony note that makes Fattoush unforgettable.
- Garlic: Just a hint, minced finely so it mingles into the dressing with subtle warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste—they heighten and balance all the bright flavors in the bowl.
How to Make Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad)
Step 1: Toast the Pita Bread
Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pita breads on a baking sheet and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re crisped and golden. Let them cool fully before snapping them into rustic, bite-sized pieces. The difference between freshly toasted and bagged pita chips is real: you’ll taste so much more crunch and flavor!
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Herbs
While the pitas transform into golden goodness, chop up your romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice those gorgeous radishes. Pile them into a large salad bowl along with the green onions, chopped parsley, and mint. This rainbow of fresh and fragrant veggies and herbs is what makes Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) so irresistibly bright.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or screw-top jar, whisk together your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, minced garlic, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. This tangy, aromatic dressing is the heart of the salad, pulling every ingredient together with zing and character.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Right before you’re ready to serve, add the cooled, broken pita pieces over the vegetables and herbs. Drizzle everything with the sumac dressing, and toss gently so every bite is coated — the pita soaks up just enough dressing to become extra tasty while staying snappy.
Step 5: Serve Fresh
Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) is at its best when served immediately, with the pita at peak crunchiness and the greens lively. Dive in with your favorite servers and watch the bowl disappear in record time!
How to Serve Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad)
Garnishes
For an extra twinkle, finish your Fattoush with a big pinch of sumac scattered on top, a swirl of good olive oil, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame or pumpkin seeds. Some folks love a crumble of creamy feta or extra chopped herbs for added flair — every garnish brings fresh personality.
Side Dishes
Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) shines next to Middle Eastern favorites like grilled kebabs, roasted chicken, falafel, or creamy hummus and baba ghanoush. It’s equally delicious sliding onto a mezze platter or brightening up a weeknight grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not play with presentation? Serve Fattoush in individual mason jars for a picnic, tuck it into pita pockets alongside labneh, or heap it onto a big family-style platter for an eye-catching centerpiece. The vivid colors and textures never fail to wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad), stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind, the pita pieces will soften as they absorb the dressing, but the flavors meld together beautifully — some even love it more this way!
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well, as the fresh veggies and herbs lose their crispness, and the pita becomes mushy. For best results, enjoy Fattoush freshly made, and skip the freezer for this one.
Reheating
There’s no need (or want!) to reheat Fattoush. If you’ve stored leftovers, serve them chilled straight from the fridge or let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. If you crave crunch, you can always toss in a handful of freshly toasted pita chips before serving again.
FAQs
What makes Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) different from other salads?
The starring role of sumac and toasted pita bread sets Fattoush apart from other salads. It’s a vibrant celebration of textures and bold flavors that’s totally unique to the Levantine region.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While pita is traditional, you can use any flatbread or even day-old baguette. Just make sure to toast it well so it stays crisp when mixed with the salad.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can make Fattoush with your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pita. Toast until crunchy, then break into pieces and use just as you would with classic pita.
What if I can’t find sumac?
Sumac has a wonderfully tart and citrusy flavor, but if it’s unavailable, a blend of lemon zest and a dash of extra vinegar can mimic some of its brightness. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but your salad will still be delicious!
Can I add protein to make Fattoush a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or seared halloumi are fantastic ways to add protein and make your Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) even more satisfying as a main dish.
Final Thoughts
Give this bright, crunchy, and utterly refreshing Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite at gatherings and everyday meals alike. It’s a salad that’s cheerful, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones, pile your plates high, and savor every bite of this Middle Eastern classic!
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Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fattoush is a refreshing Middle Eastern bread salad that combines crisp vegetables, herbs, toasted pita bread, and a tangy dressing. This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup radishes thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 pita breads toasted and broken into bite-sized pieces
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pita breads: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toast the pita breads for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Let cool and break into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, green onions, parsley, and mint.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Add toasted pita to the bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or crumbled feta.
- Add toasted pita just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
