Authentic Lebanese Fattoush – A Vibrant Middle Eastern Bread
Authentic Lebanese Fattoush is a bright and refreshing salad known for its crisp vegetables, toasted pita bread, and tangy citrus dressing. The dish showcases the essence of Mediterranean cooking—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add fragrance, while radishes and cucumbers bring a crunchy texture. The defining ingredient is sumac, a deep red spice with a lemony tang that elevates the entire salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 2 pita breads, toasted and broken into pieces
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp pomegranate molasses (optional but authentic)
Instructions
- Cut the pita bread into small triangles and toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes until crispy.
- Chop lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix chopped parsley and mint with the vegetables in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, salt, pepper, and pomegranate molasses.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Add toasted pita pieces just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Toss lightly and sprinkle extra sumac on top.
- Serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Sumac is essential for authentic flavor.
- Add pita just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best taste.
- Fresh herbs are key to traditional flavor.
- Romaine lettuce gives the best crunch.
- Pomegranate molasses adds depth and sweetness.
- Use high-quality olive oil for dressing.
- Chill vegetables slightly for a refreshing salad.