Fattoush Salad (Lebanese Bread Salad) š„
A bright, crunchy, and herbaceous salad topped with crispy pita and a tangy sumac-lemon dressing.
If thereās one salad that captures the heart of Levantine cuisine, itās Fattoush. This traditional Lebanese bread salad is a celebration of fresh, crisp vegetables, vibrant herbs, and fried or baked pieces of flatbreadāall tossed in a bold, zesty dressing made with lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and sumac.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, mezze spreads, or enjoyed as a light lunch on its own, Fattoush is a dish that brings both texture and flavor to the table. Itās fresh, itās crunchy, and itās downright irresistible!
Why Youāll Love This Fattoush Salad
- Authentic Lebanese flavor: From the pomegranate molasses to the sumac, every ingredient sings with traditional Middle Eastern essence.
- Crispy pita magic: Fried or baked flatbread gives this salad its signature crunch.
- Loaded with veggies: A rainbow of fresh ingredients like romaine, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and purslane.
- Perfect for gatherings: Itās a crowd-pleaser on any mezze or BBQ spread.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Bread:
- 150g Arabic flatbread (or pita), cut into small squares
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying or brushing)
- Ā¼ tsp salt
For the Vegetables:
- 250g romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup fresh purslane leaves (or arugula if unavailable)
- 250g ripe tomatoes, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 250g cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 50g green bell pepper, chopped
- 50g radishes, thinly sliced
- 100g scallions (spring onions), chopped
- Ā¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Ā¼ cup fresh mint leaves, whole or torn
- Ā¼ cup fresh pomegranate seeds (optional but delightful!)
For the Dressing:
- Ā½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ā cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp sumac
- Ā½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
1ļøā£ Prepare the Bread:
In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the flatbread pieces and fry for 5ā7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Season with a pinch of salt and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Healthier Option: Toss the bread with a little olive oil and bake at 220Ā°C (428Ā°F) for 5ā10 minutes until crisp.
2ļøā£ Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, garlic, sumac, and salt until fully emulsified. The sumac adds a signature tang you donāt want to skip!
3ļøā£ Toss the Vegetables:
Add the lettuce, purslane, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, radishes, scallions, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to evenly coat everything.
4ļøā£ Add the Crunch:
Just before serving, add the fried or baked flatbread and gently mix again to preserve that lovely crunch. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for color and sweetness.
5ļøā£ Serve:
Serve immediately at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with a touch more pomegranate molasses for an extra flavor boost.
Tips & Variations
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
- No sumac? Substitute with a splash of extra lemon juice, though sumac is ideal.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prep the veggies and dressing separately a few hours in advanceājust add the bread right before serving!
What to Serve with Fattoush
Fattoush pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled lamb chops or shish tawook
- Creamy hummus or baba ghanoush
- Mujadara (lentils & rice)
- Falafel wraps
Storage
Fattoush is best eaten fresh, but leftovers (without the bread mixed in) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. If storing, keep the crispy bread separate to prevent sogginess.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Final Thoughts
This Fattoush Salad is not just a dishāitās a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Every bite is a burst of freshness, thanks to the herbs and lemony dressing, while the toasted bread gives it that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re serving it as part of a big mezze table or enjoying it on a quiet lunch break, it’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation.
Sahtein! (Thatās ābon appĆ©titā in Arabic!)
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