Hi everyone, Tracy here! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about fresh, vibrant dishes that capture the essence of summer. Working here at Food and Meal, I’m constantly inspired by recipes from around the world that showcase colorful produce and exciting flavors.
Lately, one salad in particular has captured my imagination – Fattoush. This Lebanese bread salad is the perfect combo of crunchy pita, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and radishes, and bright herbs like parsley and mint. I love how the zingy lemon-sumac dressing ties it all together.
I first tried Fattoush at a Lebanese restaurant and was instantly hooked. The play of textures and flavors was so satisfying and refreshing. I knew I had to try making it at home!
One of my favorite things about Fattoush is how flexible and adaptable it is. You can use whatever vegetables look best at the market – I like adding things like romaine lettuce, red onion, and bell peppers too. And if you can’t find sumac, a dash of lemon zest works well to add that distinctive tart flavor.
Making Fattoush transports me to warm, breezy days enjoying meals outside with friends and family. It’s unpretentious, wholesome food that just tastes like pure sunshine. I smile every time I see those jewel-toned veggies tumbled together in a big bowl, waiting to be scooped up with shards of toasted pita. Yum!
Fattoush Salad recipes
Fattoush salad with pomegranates and halloumi cheese
Ingredients
Dressing
- 4 tsp ground sumac soaked in 4 teaspoons warm water for 10 minutes
- 1 juice ofone lemon
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp mint dried
- 3/4 extra virgin olive oil
- fine sea salt
Salad
- 2-3 thin pita breads halved, tossed with olive oil, zaatar and toasted until golden brown
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes chopped or 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English hothouse cucumber quartered lengthwise,thinly sliced
- 4-5 cups romaine lettuce trimmed cut crosswise into thin strips
- 2 cups flat leaf parsley leaves
- 1 cup mint leaves fresh
- Ground sumac optional
- 5 radishes thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 slices halloumi cheese thinly sliced, optional
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
For dressing:
- Combine sumac with soaking liquid, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses or honey, garlic, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and dried mint in a medium bowl. Gradually add oil, whisking constantly, until well blended. Season with salt; add more lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and vinegar to taste, if desired.
- In a non stick frying pan, heat one tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Place slices of halloumi and fry on both sides till golden brown.
For salad:
- Mix tomatoes and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add dressing slowly; toss to coat, adding more dressing by tablespoonfuls as needed. Season with salt. Add pita; toss once. Sprinkle sumac over, and halloumi cheese, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Roasted Fattoush Salad using an Oven
Incorporating the utility of one of the best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens in my kitchen has truly changed the game, and this roasted twist on the traditional Fattoush salad stands testament to that. This method not only lends a unique flavor but also achieves a crispy, delightful texture to the ingredients, especially the halloumi cheese.
Prepare your Air Fryer Toaster Oven by preheating it to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s ready to work its culinary magic. Lay out the halloumi slices on the tray, drizzling them with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Utilize the oven mode to roast the halloumi for approximately 10 minutes, or until it achieves a light golden hue, then set it aside. Next, tear the pita or flatbread into bite-sized pieces and spread them on the tray, drizzling with olive oil and adding a pinch of salt. Switch to the air fryer mode and “fry” the bread for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden, keeping a watchful eye to prevent over-browning. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and the roasted halloumi slices, generously sprinkling pomegranate arils over the top for a burst of freshness. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sumac if desired, to create a flavorful dressing. Just before serving, toss the crispy bread pieces from your Air Fryer Toaster Oven into the salad, ensuring they maintain their irresistible crunchiness. Serve immediately and revel in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this delightful dish, crafted effortlessly with the assistance of your kitchen’s versatile appliance.
About Fattoush Salad
Recipe
A fattoush salad is a traditional Levantine dish made with toasted or fried khubz and mixed greens. This dish is popular in all communities throughout the Levant. Here are some tips for making your own fattoush salad recipe. This recipe will make a wonderful starter or side dish for any Levantine meal. It’s a delicious way to get the essential vegetables and protein into your diet.
The dressing for Fattoush salad is vibrant and herbaceous. Pomegranate molasses balances the dressing’s tartness. The salad is served with fried pita bread. Fattoush salad is a must-have on any mezza table. It is a perfect lunch or dinner salad! And it’s great for the whole family! Try it soon! It’s sure to become a favorite with family and friends.
Seasoning blend
The herbs in a fattoush salad add a distinctive flavor and a boost of nutrition. Chopped vegetables and herbs are combined in a blender to form a salad dressing. Fattoush is best served with a large flat pita pocket. However, a regular-sized pita can be used instead, as long as it provides the salad with thin, crispy chips. This recipe can be adapted to your favorite vegetables and tastes.
In addition to the olive oil, you will also need some of the spices in the Seasoning blend for Fattoush Salad. The key ingredient is Sumac, which gives this salad its sour flavor. You can buy this spice blend at a Middle Eastern supermarket or order it online. It can be stored in small jars. Once mixed, shake off any excess oil and allow to dry. Add more olive oil and a dash of lemon juice if needed.
Vegetables
A popular Levantine dish, Fattoush Salad is made with toasted or fried khubz and mixed greens. It is an extremely popular salad throughout all communities in the Levant. If you’re wondering what makes it so unique, here’s a look at some of the ingredients. To prepare Fattoush Salad, follow these simple steps. Here are a few more ideas to try.
Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Then, place them on a plate. You can add some goat cheese if you wish. You can also add fresh parsley or chives. When you’re ready to serve the salad, add the dressing. Make sure to serve the salad as soon as possible. This dish can be prepared in advance but is best enjoyed right away. Make sure to serve the salad immediately after mixing it to avoid it becoming limp.
Pita bread
This delicious salad can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for a few days, or even a month. For best results, use fresh vegetables and a high-quality oil. During winter, fresh vegetables may be difficult to find, but they’ll produce the best results. The following recipe uses pita bread. It’s a healthy and delicious salad that’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
The salad is made from toasted pita bread croutons, flavorful vegetables and tangy sumac dressing. The salad is traditionally served with pita bread and sumac, a Middle Eastern spice mixture that’s typically made with lemon and olive oil. It’s also a great side dish for a mezze platter, and makes a tasty appetizer for any gathering. To prepare it, you’ll need pita bread that’s toasted and seasoned.
Storage
A well-made Fattoush Salad keeps for several days in the refrigerator. To maintain the freshness of the salad, it is recommended to keep the ingredients separate in their packaging. Store the vegetables, bread, and dressing separately. When you are ready to serve it, you can assemble the salad just before serving. If you wish to share your creation with the world, post a photo of your finished recipe on Instagram with the hashtag #hintofhealthy.
When preparing the salad, you should keep it separately from the tortilla. This salad is best served with a slightly tangy dressing and may be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Always store it in an airtight container, and don’t use defrosted tomatoes because they tend to get soggy when they are raw. For better results, avoid freezing the salad or reheating it. It’s best to refrigerate it the night before serving, but you should also serve it immediately.
Serving Suggestions
To start, fattoush salad makes a lively pairing with the Vegetable Maki rolls. The fresh crunch of the vegetables and savory nori are nicely balanced by the salad’s zesty flavors. For a heartier appetizer, the salad contrasts nicely with the rich Spinach Quiche.
As a main course, fattoush salad can accent chicken or fish dishes without overpowering. It provides a tangy, verdant flavor accent to Chicken Thighs, Tilapia Milanese or Zesty Baked Tuna. On the lighter side, the salad’s herbs shine with Vegetarian Ramen or Grilled Halibut.
For sides, the sweetness of BLW Carrot Fries or the neutral Bean Sprout Rice allow the salad’s flavors to take the lead. Alternatively, the textural crunch of Scallion Pancakes or Mozzarella Sticks make an indulgent pairing.
Unexpectedly, fattoush salad also plays a role in dessert through its tangy contrast with Tempura Ice Cream. The salad’s acidity cuts through the fried cream for a surprising interplay.
With its freshness and verve, Fattoush Salad livens up dishes from light appetizers to rich sides and even satisfying desserts. Its herbs awaken the palate across the dining experience for a lively culinary adventure.
Cooking Tips
First and foremost, it’s all about the freshness of the ingredients. Try to source the ripest, most vibrant produce you can find – from crisp cucumbers to juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs. There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with ingredients that are bursting with flavor and color, and it really elevates the final dish.
Another tip is to pay attention to texture. Fattoush is known for its crunchy, crispy elements, so don’t skimp on the crispy pita chips or the crunchy vegetables like radishes and bell peppers. The contrast between the crispiness of the bread and the crunch of the vegetables adds a delightful dimension to the salad that I absolutely love.
When it comes to dressing the salad, I prefer to keep it simple. A tangy, lemony vinaigrette with a hint of sumac is all you need to complement the fresh flavors of the vegetables and herbs. Plus, it adds a bright, zesty kick that really wakes up your taste buds.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Fattoush is a versatile salad that lends itself well to customization. I like to add extras like creamy feta cheese, briny olives, or even some grilled chicken or lamb for a heartier option. Experimenting with different toppings allows you to tailor the salad to your personal preferences and makes each bite a delightful surprise.
List of 5 FAQs
- How do I store any leftovers? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 1-2 days. However, for the best experience, consume it fresh.
- Can I substitute another cheese for halloumi? Certainly! Feta cheese is a popular alternative, offering a crumbly texture and tangy flavor. Though you won’t get the same roasted texture, it still pairs wonderfully with the salad ingredients.
- I don’t have an Air Fryer Toaster Oven; can I still make this dish? Absolutely. While the Air Fryer Toaster Oven adds a unique touch, you can achieve a similar effect using a conventional oven, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- Is there an alternative to pomegranate arils if I can’t find them? Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries or fresh diced strawberries for a slightly different, yet delightful, tang.
- Can I add other vegetables to this salad? Of course! This salad is versatile. Consider adding radishes, bell peppers, or even olives for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Fattoush salad stands as a shining example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an extraordinarily vibrant and satisfying dish. As we conclude our exploration of this flavorful bread salad, Food And Meal celebrates both the rich cultural heritage from which fattoush originates as well as the universal appeal it holds.
At its heart, fattoush brings people together through the communal act of sharing wholesome, fresh fare. The crunch of crisp vegetables, the nutty earthiness of sumac and herbs, and the textural play of pita come together in a perfect expression of the region’s bounty. Yet while fattoush remains steadfastly Lebanese in spirit, its bright, sunny flavors translate effortlessly across cultures.
Much like Food And Meal aims to do, fattoush salad bridges culinary traditions, bringing people to the table through its vibrancy. As we bite into this salad, we connect not only with those who have enjoyed it for generations, but also with one another, sharing in the diverse beauty of edible traditions worldwide. Fattoush remains a testament that, even in its simplicity, food has the power to nourish both body and spirit.
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.