Fattoush
Fattoush is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad made with a variety of fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and red onions, along with crispy pita bread for crunch. It’s dressed with a tangy blend of lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, garlic, and sumac, and garnished with herbs like parsley and mint. The dish is known for its balance of flavors—fresh, tart, and slightly sweet—along with a satisfying crunch from the pita.
Ingredients
- 8 large romaine lettuce leaves
- 2 small cucumbers
- 1 large tomato
- 1 large sweet pepper
- 3 large radishes
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 small red onion
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- Pomegranate seeds
- String cheese (optional, but it tastes really good with it)
- Crunchy pita bread (deep-fried, baked, or air-fried)
For the dressing:
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- ½ teaspoon oregano or thyme (Arabic zaatar)
Instructions
- Wash and dry all the vegetables.
- Cut the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper into small or medium-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
- Thinly slice the onion and radishes, then finely shred the red cabbage.
- Chop the parsley and mint, then add all the veggies to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing the lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, salt, dried mint,sumac, oregano (or thyme), and minced garlic. Set it aside.
- Cut the pita bread into small cubes or thin slices, then deep-fry, bake, or air-fry until crispy.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well. Add the crunchy bread and drizzle with extra pomegranate molasses.
- Garnish with string cheese and pomegranate seeds.
- Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh, Crisp Vegetables: Fattoush is all about texture and freshness. Choose firm cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for the best results.
- Crispy Pita is Key: The pita should be well-toasted or fried until golden and crunchy. To keep it from getting soggy, add it just before serving.
- Balance the Dressing: The signature tangy dressing is what makes Fattoush unique. Adjust the lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and sumac to get the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Massage the Onions: If raw onions are too strong, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness.
- Let the Flavors Marinate: Toss the salad with the dressing and let it sit for a few minutes before adding the pita. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Additions: Add grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or feta for a more filling salad. Some people also love a sprinkle of roasted nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the best texture, serve Fattoush fresh. The longer it sits, the softer the pita gets.
- You can adjust the measurements of the dressing and veggies to your preference.