This fattoush salad is what I grew up with—THE salad you will find all around Lebanon and the Middle East. It’s a refreshing, tangy salad made with a combination of seasonal veggies and crunchy pita bread—perfect to enjoy alongside flavorful authentic shish tawook, beef kabob, and kofta kebab.
How to make fattoush salad
Serve with crispy pita chips: Once you are ready to serve, you can either top the fattshould salad with the pita chips or mix them into the salad for a delightful crunch. Enjoy! There are no strict rules for what vegetables to include in fattoush—it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to your taste. A basic fattoush salad often features cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and radishes, with fresh herbs like mint, parsley, arugula, green onions, or thyme. The salad is typically dressed with a simple, zesty vinaigrette. Proceed to chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes into bite-sized pieces according to your preference. The arugula, mache, thyme, and mint leaves can be left whole or cut just in 2-3 pieces. Alternatively, air fry them at 350°F/175°C for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once done, set aside to cool.
Choose the freshest produce you can find. For the best flavor, choose ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and freshly picked herbs. Skip the store-bought pita chips and make your own at home. You can fry, air-fry, or bake the pita until it’s perfectly crunchy. Don’t skip the sumac and pomegranate molasses. These ingredients add incredible flavor. Sumac gives a tangy kick, while pomegranate molasses adds a touch of sweetness. Go for the best extra virgin olive oil you can find. Its rich, peppery taste makes a big difference. For the best texture, mix the chopped veggies and herbs with the dressing and pita chips only right before serving. If mixed in advance, the pita chips may become soggy, and the veggies could wilt. Feel free to get creative by adding in-season herbs and vegetables. Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and toss in crunchy veggies for added crunch.
