Lebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe
Introduction
Lebanese Fattoush Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the flavors of the Middle East. With crispy, golden pita bread croutons, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is an appetizing start to any meal. It’s the perfect combination of textures—crunchy, crisp, and tender—all bound together with a zesty and aromatic dressing. Fattoush is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and elegant meals. This recipe includes a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and bell peppers, all of which are generously tossed in a fresh and herb-infused vinaigrette. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer or pairing it with a main course like Lebanese Style Mujaddara or Creme Caramel Flan, this salad will surely impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Pita Bread | 2 pieces |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Spring Onions (Bulb & Greens) | Few, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, grated |
| Iceberg Lettuce | 1 small bunch |
| Parsley Leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, cut into chunks |
| Cucumber | 1, peeled |
| Mooli (Radish) | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Feta Cheese (optional) | 100 grams, crumbled |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | 1-1/2 tablespoon |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Serves 2
Cuisine
- Middle Eastern
Course
- Appetizer
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pita Bread
To start preparing your Lebanese Fattoush Salad, take the whole wheat pita bread and cut it into small wedges. These wedges will become the crispy croutons for your salad. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss the pita wedges with about a tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Step 2: Grill the Pita
Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, spread out the pita wedges on the grill pan in a single layer. Grill the pita pieces until they become crispy and golden brown on both sides. Turn them occasionally to ensure they crisp up evenly. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the pita wedges are perfectly crisped, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Vegetables
While the pita is cooling, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped spring onions (both the bulbs and the greens), shredded iceberg lettuce, finely chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes, peeled cucumber, thinly sliced radishes (mooli), and diced red bell pepper. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining olive oil, grated garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinaigrette, fresh thyme leaves, and red chili powder. Shake the jar vigorously to combine all the ingredients or whisk them thoroughly in the bowl. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables in the salad bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure that each vegetable is evenly coated in the aromatic dressing. Be careful not to mash or bruise the vegetables as you toss them.
Step 6: Assemble the Fattoush Salad
Once the vegetables are well dressed, add the crispy pita wedges to the salad and toss again to combine. If you like, you can sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for added richness and flavor. The feta adds a creamy and tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the vegetables and the crunch of the pita.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Lebanese Fattoush Salad immediately as a light appetizer or alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes like Lebanese Style Mujaddara and Creme Caramel Flan. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the crispy pita still providing that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Fattoush Salad:
- Pita Bread: You can use any type of pita bread, but whole wheat pita gives the salad a heartier and healthier touch.
- Make-Ahead Option: While this salad is best served immediately, you can prepare the dressing and cut the vegetables in advance. Just toss everything together right before serving to maintain the crunch of the pita.
- Variations: If you want to give your Fattoush Salad a twist, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or even olives.
- Feta Cheese: Feta is optional, but it adds a creamy and tangy flavor that enhances the dish. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can omit it or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
Final Thoughts
Lebanese Fattoush Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that packs both flavor and texture. It’s the perfect starter for a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired meal and is versatile enough to be adapted to different dietary preferences. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh vegetables, crispy pita croutons, and aromatic herbs with a tangy, zesty dressing. It’s a healthy and satisfying choice that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
