Fattoush salad is a popular and delicious dish from Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. It combines fresh vegetables with crispy toasted pita bread, and it’s typically served with a tangy dressing. The fresh herbs and vegetables make this salad a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. Here’s how to prepare the classic Fattoush salad.
Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper (optional), chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 pita bread (or 2, depending on serving size), toasted or fried
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional)
Steps to Make Fattoush Salad:
1. Prepare the Pita Bread:
Cut the pita bread into squares or rectangles and toast them in a pan or in the oven until they become crispy and golden.
To toast in the oven, place the pita pieces on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper (if using).
Wash and chop the mint and parsley leaves.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and sumac (if using).
Stir well to make a smooth dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, mint, and parsley).
Add the crispy toasted pita bread to the salad.
5. Add the Dressing and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
If desired, add pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color.
The Fattoush salad is now ready to serve!
Tips and Variations:
Sumac: Sumac is a tangy spice that is traditionally used in Fattoush. If you don’t have sumac, you can add more lemon juice to achieve a tangy flavor.
Pita Bread: Pita bread can be used either toasted or fried. If you have stale pita, you can cut it into pieces and toast or fry it to make it crispy.
Vegetables: You can adjust the vegetables according to your preference. For example, you can add shredded carrots or celery for extra crunch.
Fattoush is an excellent choice for warm weather, and its refreshing taste, enhanced by mint and lemon, makes it a perfect side dish to any meal.
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