Lebanese Fatoush Salad

Introduction

History

Fatoush is a traditional Lebanese salad that dates back centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Levant region and has since become a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. The salad is known for its use of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a zesty dressing.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the pita bread before adding it to the salad. This will give it a crunchy texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.

- For added flavor, you can also add some sumac or za'atar spice to the salad.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fatoush Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb. It also pairs well with hummus and pita bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to chop the vegetables and herbs finely for a more uniform texture.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice.

- Substitute cherry tomatoes for the regular tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fatoush Salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or falafel. It also goes well with a side of tabbouleh or baba ganoush.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pita bread may become soggy, so you may want to add fresh pita before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 6g

Fats

Total Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

Vitamin C: 70%

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains wheat (pita bread)

Summary

This Lebanese Fatoush Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Lebanese Fatoush Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My mother had invited some neighbors over for a special dinner, and she asked me to help her prepare the meal.

As we busily chopped vegetables and mixed spices, one of our neighbors, an older woman named Mrs. Khalil, came over to see how we were doing. She took one look at the ingredients we were using and shook her head disapprovingly.

"You can't make a proper Lebanese meal without fatoush salad," she declared. "Let me show you how it's done."

Mrs. Khalil proceeded to take charge of the kitchen, showing us how to toast pita bread until it was crispy and golden brown. She then tossed it with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and herbs, and dressed everything with a tangy lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.

As we sat down to eat that evening, I took my first bite of Mrs. Khalil's fatoush salad and was immediately hooked. The flavors were bright and refreshing, a perfect balance of tangy, crunchy, and savory. I knew then and there that I needed to learn how to make this salad for myself.

Over the years, I have made fatoush salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. I have added ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and grilled chicken, but the basic elements of the salad remain the same. It is a dish that always brings back fond memories of that evening in my mother's kitchen, and of Mrs. Khalil's patient guidance.

As I sit down to write out the recipe for fatoush salad, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have enjoyed this dish over the years. I have shared it with friends, family, and neighbors, and each time it has been met with rave reviews. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that never fails to impress.

To make fatoush salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 to 3 pita bread, torn into bite-sized pieces

- 2 to 3 cups of mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, or spinach)

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1 tomato, diced

- 1/2 cup of radishes, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped

- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped

- 1/4 cup of olive oil

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon of sumac

- Salt and pepper to taste

To make the salad, start by toasting the pita bread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until it is crispy. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, radishes, parsley, mint, and green onions.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add the toasted pita bread on top and serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this fatoush salad as much as I do. It is a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. And who knows, maybe one day you will pass on this recipe to someone else, just as Mrs. Khalil did for me all those years ago. Happy cooking!

Categories

| Cilantro Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Lebanese Recipes | Lebanese Salads | Lemon Juice Recipes | Mint Recipes | Onion Recipes | Pita Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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