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fattoush salad

The best fattoush salad recipe

Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Lebanese salad that blends crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and crunchy toasted pita bread.
Flavored with sumac for a distinctive tang, this salad is a staple of Levantine cuisine
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course salad
Servings 4 portion
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Salad Ingredients

  • 1 Arabic pita bread
  • 1 head of lettuce
  • 1 bunch of lamb’s lettuce or purslane, if available
  • ½ bunch of fresh parsley
  • ½ bunch of fresh mint
  • 7 to 8 radishes
  • 1 cucumber
  • 4 small shallots
  • 6 to 7 cherry tomatoes

For the Mint & Sumac Vinaigrette

  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves
  • ½ glass of fresh lemon juice
  • glass of extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of sumac
  • 1 tablespoon of dried mint
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Pita Bread

  • Split the pita breads: Gently open each pita to separate it into two thin layers.
  • Cut into bite-sized pieces: Using clean kitchen scissors or a knife, cut the bread into small squares (about 2 cm each).
  • Add a touch of oil: Lightly brush the bread pieces with olive oil. This helps them turn perfectly golden and crisp.
  • Bake until golden: Lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 8–10 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
  • Tip: For extra crunch, fry the pita pieces in hot oil until golden, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Lebanese Sumac Vinaigrette

  • Crush the garlic: In a mortar and pestle (or a small bowl), crush 2–3 garlic cloves with a pinch of salt and ½ tsp paprika into a smooth paste.
  • Mix the dressing: Add fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, and dried mint to the garlic paste. Whisk well until the mixture is fully emulsified.
  • Chill until ready: Transfer the vinaigrette to a sealed jar or small container and refrigerate. This helps the flavors develop even more.

Step 3: Assemble Your Fattoush Salad

  • Combine the vegetables and herbs: In a large salad bowl, place all your prepped ingredients—lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, shallots, and lamb’s lettuce or purslane.
  • Mix gently: Use clean hands or salad tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring the herbs and vegetables are evenly combined.
  • Dress and serve: Just before serving, add the crispy pita bread pieces and pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss lightly again and serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.