Fattoush Salad

Fattoush Salad Recipe - Authentic Lebanese Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fattoush salad is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. This salad is a perfect combination of crispy bread, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Fattoush salad has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Lebanon and Syria, where it was created as a way to use up stale bread. The word "fattoush" actually means "crumbled bread" in Arabic, which is a nod to the crispy pita bread that is a key ingredient in this salad.

Ingredients

2 large pita breads
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
1.5 tsp ground sumac
0.5 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup coarsely chopped parsley
4 scallions, sliced, white parts only
0.5 cup chopped or torn fresh mint
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, diced, optional

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
2. Place the bread on a cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it turns golden and crisp. Remove the bread from the oven and set it aside to cool. Once it has cooled down enough to handle, break it into pieces that are approximately 0.5 inches in size.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 tsp of sumac. In another bowl, toss the lettuce, parsley, scallions, mint, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green pepper (if using). Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 tsp of sumac over the salad, add the toasted pita pieces, and dress the salad by tossing it to coat everything well. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Swap out the pita bread for gluten-free bread or croutons.
Add feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

- Toasting the bread before adding it to the salad helps to give it a nice crunch.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Fattoush salad can be served as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or falafel.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch to the salad, while mixing the dressing separately helps to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of bread for this recipe, such as whole wheat or gluten-free bread. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but wait to add the bread until just before serving to keep it crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fattoush salad in a large bowl or platter, garnished with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Fattoush salad pairs well with grilled meats, hummus, tabbouleh, or baba ganoush.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may lose its crunchiness, so you may want to add fresh bread before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 30% of the daily recommended intake

- Vitamin C: 45% of the daily recommended intake

- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake

Alergens

Contains wheat (from the bread)

Summary

Fattoush salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

Summary

Fattoush salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its crispy bread, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima in her bustling kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on fragrant tea, she suddenly pulled out a platter of the most colorful and vibrant salad I had ever seen.

"What is this delicious creation?" I asked, my mouth watering at the sight of the fresh vegetables and herbs that adorned the plate.

Fatima chuckled and explained that it was Fattoush Salad, a traditional Lebanese dish that her mother had taught her to make. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

As she guided me through the steps of preparing the salad, I marveled at the simplicity and elegance of the dish. It was a symphony of flavors and textures, with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs all coming together in perfect harmony.

But what truly set this salad apart was the addition of toasted pita bread, which added a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor to the dish. Fatima explained that the pita bread was a traditional touch that gave the salad its distinctive character.

As I savored my first bite of Fattoush Salad, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. Over the years, I have made it countless times, tweaking and adjusting the ingredients to suit my own taste and preferences.

I have added extra mint for a burst of freshness, swapped out the lettuce for peppery arugula, and even experimented with different types of bread for the croutons. But no matter how I have altered the recipe, the essence of Fatima's Fattoush Salad always shines through.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, bringing a taste of Lebanon into their homes and hearts. And each time I prepare this dish, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Fatima's kitchen, where I first fell in love with the magic of Fattoush Salad.

As I look back on all the recipes I have collected over the years, I realize that each one tells a story – a story of friendship, of tradition, of love. And the story of Fatima's Fattoush Salad is one that I will always hold dear.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a fresh and flavorful dish to brighten your table, I urge you to try your hand at making Fattoush Salad. I promise that it will not only tantalize your taste buds but also warm your soul with memories of shared meals and shared moments.