Crisp and Fresh Fattoush Salad with Pita Croutons

This Fattoush Salad is a nutritious and refreshing Middle Eastern dish that highlights a medley of vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and wholesome pita croutons.

Tossed in a light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil, this traditional salad is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a healthy lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

2 whole wheat pita bread rounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil (for toasting the pita)
1 large cucumber, diced
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp sumac (optional for authentic flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the pita bread pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, then spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through. Allow to cool.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped lettuce, parsley, and mint for a colorful salad base.

Step 3

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sumac (if using), salt, and pepper to create a fresh dressing.

Step 4

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating. Just before serving, add the toasted pita croutons and mix lightly to maintain their crunchiness.

Step 5

Serve immediately as a light, nutritious main dish or alongside grilled proteins for a complete meal.

Tips

For an added crunch, consider pan-frying the pita pieces in a small amount of olive oil instead of baking them.
If sumac is not available, you can enhance the tanginess with a little extra lemon juice.