A colorful Lebanese bread salad with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread, coated in a tangy sumac-lemon vinaigrette.

Fattoush

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 1 large heart of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled (optional) and diced
• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (or 4-5 green onions, chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1-2 pieces of pita bread, toasted or fried until crisp, broken into bite-sized pieces For the Dressing:
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pita: Brush pita with olive oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crisp, or fry pieces in oil until golden. Let cool and break into pieces.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop/dice/slice all vegetables and herbs as indicated. Combine them in a large salad bowl.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sumac, dried mint (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
5. Add the crispy pita pieces and toss again lightly.
6. Serve immediately to ensure the pita stays crisp.

What makes it special?*

Fattoush is a vibrant Levantine bread salad that makes brilliant use of stale or leftover pita. Its defining characteristics are the crispy toasted/fried bread pieces and the tangy, bright dressing featuring sumac, a lemony spice derived from dried berries. It's a refreshing explosion of textures and flavors, showcasing seasonal garden vegetables.