A Culinary Journey to the Levant
Jump to RecipeDive into the heart of the Levant with the classic Fattoush salad, a dish that’s as much about the experience as it is about the taste. It’s a staple that has woven its way through the fabric of Middle Eastern cuisine, finding a home from Lebanon to Syria, and beyond.
The Essence of Fattoush
At its heart, Fattoush is a celebration of freshness. Imagine biting into juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp radishes. These are the stars of the show, bringing both color and texture to your plate. The romaine lettuce provides a cool, crunchy foundation, but we can’t overdo it. The bell peppers add just a touch of sweetness, and the crispy pita chips give it that extra crunch.
But what really sets Fattoush salad apart are the herbs. Mint and parsley aren’t just garnishes here; they’re essential players that infuse every bite with freshness. And then there’s sumac – that deep red spice that gives a lemony zing, that ties all the flavors together, and gives it the characteristic Middle Eastern flavor.
The Dressing
The dressing is where the magic happens. It’s a simple mix – olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of mint. But add in some pomegranate seeds, and you’ve got something special. It’s a dressing that doesn’t just coat the ingredients; it brings them to life.
Pairings
Fattosh salad is a very versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, light lunch, or a delightful side accompanying a main course. Its ability to complement various dishes makes it a crowd-pleaser and a great option if you’re entertaining guests.
Pair Fattoush with grilled meats, such as lamb, kebabs or shawarma, to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. You can also go vegetarian by pairing with lentils, or falafel.
Fattoush salad stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the richness of Levantine traditions. As you journey through each bite, you’ll be captivated by the fresh and crispy ingredients, fragrant herbs, and tangy dressings that make Fattoush so irresistible. So, embrace this time-honored recipe, close your eyes, and let the flavors transport you.
Fattoush Salad
6
servings10
minutes15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 2 Pita Bread
1 1 Green Pepper
1 1 Tsp Zaatar
2 2 Cucumbers
4 4 Radishes
1/2 1/2 Red Onion
1 Large 1 Tomato or 2 Medium Beefsteak Tomatoes
1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup Chopped Parsley
1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup Mint
1 1 Romaine Lettuce
1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp Pomegranate Seeds
- Ingredients for Dressing
3 Tbsp 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
2 cloves 2 cloves Garlic
1 tsp 1 Pomegranate Seeds
4 4 Mint Leaves
1 tsp 1 Sumac
Directions
- Make your own pita chips by splitting the bread, and cutting in triangles. You can sprinkle some salt, olive oil and Zaatar, otherwise plain also works wonders. You can place the chips on the air fryer at 365F for 6 minutes and make sure you shake half way through.
- Slice the green pepper, cucumbers, radishes, into thin strips. Slice the onions in julienne. Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the parsley and mint leaves. Shred the romaine lettuce.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced vegetables, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, mint leaves, and shredded romaine lettuce. Toss gently to mix.
- For the dressing, in a food processor, add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, and sumac. Process until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are coated.
- Add the pomegranate seeds and the toasted pita bread to the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the Fattoush salad immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- The best way to enjoy this salad is to toast the pita bread and make the chips yourself. This can be easily made by placing them at 365F for 6 or 7 minutes on the air fryer until crispy. If you don't have an air fryer available you can toast them in the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes.
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