How to Make the Perfect Lebanese Fattoush
Lebanese · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Fattoush is a bright and crunchy Lebanese bread salad that combines crispy toasted or fried pita chips with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. The addition of ground sumac gives it a distinctive tangy flavor that sets it apart from other salads.
Why this recipe works
This Lebanese Fattoush recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 large pita bread torn into pieces
- 2 medium cucumbers diced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes diced
- 1 bunch radishes thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the pita chips
Tear the pita bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry them in shallow oil for a richer flavor. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
Dice the cucumbers and tomatoes into medium chunks and place them in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the radishes and add them to the bowl. If available, add torn purslane leaves for an authentic touch, as they are traditionally used in Lebanese fattoush.
Step 3: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground sumac, and a good pinch of salt. The sumac is essential for the authentic tangy flavor of this salad and cannot be omitted. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 4: Assemble and serve
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add the toasted pita chips just before serving to maintain their crunch. Toss gently once more and serve immediately as part of a mezze or as a light standalone meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground sumac → a squeeze of extra lemon juice with a pinch of lemon zest for a similar tartness
- pita bread → any flatbread such as lavash or thin tortillas, toasted until crispy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the pita chips too early, causing them to become soggy from the dressing
- Using too little sumac, which removes the characteristic tangy flavor that defines fattoush
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 5g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
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