THE YUM PANDEMIC

Middle East Jordan, Palestinian Territories

Fattoush Salad

Arabic Bread Salad, Lebanese Bread Salad, Fattush, Fattoosh

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Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Prep Time
25 mins
Make Time
5 mins
Calories
280 / serving
Diet
Vegan

The essentials, at a glance

Middle East Main Course Side Dish Dairy-FreeNut-Free

Fattoush is a vibrant Levantine bread salad that combines crisp fried pita with fresh seasonal vegetables and fragrant herbs. The dish offers a refreshing balance of tart sumac, bright citrus, and earthy olive oil against the crunch of garden produce. It serves as a staple mezze throughout the Middle East, particularly during the summer months when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak.

ProteinProtein 5.0g
FatFat 22.0g
CarbsCarbs 28.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

Ingredients

Servings: 4
Crispy Pita
150 g / 5 oz
45 ml / 3 tbsp
3 g / 1/2 tsp
2 g / 1 tsp
Salad
250 g / 9 oz romaine (chopped)
300 g / 10 oz (halved, seeded, chopped)
450 g / 16 oz (chopped)
75 g / 2.5 oz (chopped)
100 g / 3.5 oz (thinly sliced)
60 g / 2 oz (chopped)
30 g / 1 oz (chopped, optional)
Dressing
45 ml / 3 tbsp
80 ml / 1/3 cup
15 ml / 1 tbsp (optional)
2 g / 1 tsp
0.5 g / 1/4 tsp
0.3 g / 1/8 tsp
2 g / 1/2 tsp
3 g / 1/2 tsp

Ingredients at a glance

Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
We only show images for ingredients already in our database.
All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Crispy Pita
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Tear the pita bread into bite-sized pieces. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then fry the pita until golden brown, tossing frequently. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then season with salt, pepper, and sumac.

Salad Assembly
Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, radishes, parsley, and mint in a large mixing bowl.

Dressing
Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper, sumac, cinnamon, and allspice in a small bowl to make the dressing.

Assembly
Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss lightly. Add the crispy pita pieces, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional sumac if desired. Serve immediately.

Other considerations for this recipe

Selecting Produce
Choose ripe, seasonal tomatoes and freshly picked herbs for the best flavour. The quality of the vegetables directly impacts the final salad.
Homemade Pita Chips
Avoid store-bought pita chips. Frying fresh pita at home with proper seasoning creates the authentic texture and taste essential to this dish.
The Role of Sumac
Sumac provides a distinctive tart, citrusy flavour that is difficult to replicate. Do not skip this ingredient, as it defines the character of the salad.
Variations
Add seasonal vegetables such as heirloom tomatoes or green peppers. Additional herbs, crushed garlic, or extra pomegranate molasses in the dressing can personalise the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

High in vitamins A and C from fresh vegetables and herbs.

Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats.

Sumac contains antioxidants.

Low in saturated fat.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

The Art of Fattoush: Crispy Pita Meets Fresh Herbs

Andrew T.
Andrew T.
Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad · Andrew T.

Sumac's tangy crimson dust defines this Levantine classic, transforming simple fried bread and garden vegetables into something truly memorable. Fattoush celebrates the art of using yesterday's pita, crisped to golden perfection and tossed with the freshest herbs your market offers.

The magic unfolds in the balance between textures. You want the pita shards to retain their crunch against yielding tomatoes and cucumber, while parsley and mint provide aromatic lift. Do not stint on the herbs; they are not mere garnish here but co-stars alongside the vegetables.

Making It Your Own

Consider this your canvas for seasonal abundance. While romaine forms the traditional base, peppery radishes and sweet green onions add bite and sweetness. The dressing binds everything with olive oil, lemon, and that optional drizzle of pomegranate molasses for depth.

  • Seek out the ripest tomatoes you can find
  • Fry your own pita rather than reaching for packaged chips
  • Let the salad sit for five minutes before serving to allow flavours to marry

Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch with flatbread. However you enjoy it, this salad delivers a taste of the Mediterranean that feels both rustic and refined.

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History behind the region and its food

Yumpedia: Jordan, Palestinian Territories Fattoush Salad history

Fattoush belongs to the family of Arab bread salads that originated as a practical solution to prevent food waste. Historically, Levantine households would dry or fry stale flatbread to create a base for salads, stretching precious ingredients while creating satisfying texture. The name derives from the Arabic word fatt meaning to crumble or break bread, reflecting this resourceful approach to leftovers.

The salad emerged from the culinary traditions of Greater Syria, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, where wheat-based flatbreads form the dietary staple.

More history from Middle East

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