Fattoush Recipe (Traditional Lebanese Salad) [Video]

This Fattoush recipe is a simple Middle Eastern chopped salad recipe that’s perfect for any meal. This Lebanese salad is easy to follow and uses seasonal fresh ingredients.

My love for Mediterranean recipes like Mediterranean Salad Recipe, Mediterranean couscous salad and tabouli comes from living in Istanbul, Turkey for some years . I remember going to the farmers market every week and getting the freshest vegetables and herbs every time. While living in Turkey, I found that so many dishes were similar to Persian and Middle Eastern recipes and that Turks use seasonal ingredients at all times.

I can have a large bowl of fresh salad any day of the week! For me, it’s the best side to any dish especially if it comes with some crispy toasted pita!

What is Fattoush salad?

“Fattoush” comes from the word “Fatteh” which means “crumbled bread” in Arabic. Fattoush salad has crispy day old homemade pita bread in it which is a way to use old bread so it doesn’t go to waste. It’s basically a fried bread salad made the Mediterranean way. This Lebanese salad is made with fresh vegetables and herbs and has a tasty dressing that makes this simple green salad very delicious.

You can find fattoush salad in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. The addition of crispy pita and the tangy dressing makes this Lebanese salad extra special and delicious. I love making a large batch of this fattoush recipe for dinner because a small portion of it is never enough. 

One thing that’s common among Mediterranean region’s cuisines is that meals are usually served with different types of salads, a favorite one being Fattoush salad. It’s a traditional Lebanese salad that is common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants. It’s served as a starter or a refreshing side dish to many dishes such as grilled meat and rice.

Fattoush Salad ingredients

The ingredients for fattoush salad can vary region to region. The base of a nice fattoush salad recipe is lettuce, tomatoes, parsley and radishes. Cucumbers and red onion are also used to make this traditional salad. It’s important to use fresh vegetables and seasonal ingredients as that’s the base of all Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes. Fattoush is a great way to use up stale pita bread as you can fry them and they’ll be all crispy. 

How to make Fattoush salad

To make this fattoush recipe, wash and dry all the vegetables and herbs. Chop the lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Add chopped cucumber and tomatoes, sliced onion and radishes to the lettuce. Toss the vegetables together and add chopped parsley. 

Tear the pita bread into small pieces and toast them with some olive oil and salt in a pan over medium heat. Toss the salad with toasted pita and then make the homemade fattoush dressing. Pour the dressing over fattoush salad and toss lightly. Serve on its own or as a side dish. You can also use this homemade pita chips recipe and use them for this fattoush salad recipe. 

Fattoush salad is so delicious, once you try it, you will keep making it over and over again. It’s a great salad recipe to have at hand to add more vegetables to your weekly meals. If you own a small garden and you harvest your vegetables, you’re going to love this fattoush recipe made with homegrown veggies. 

More Mediterranean salad recipes:

• Caprese Pasta Salad: If you’re looking for a Mediterranean inspired pasta salad, then this caprese pasta salad is the answer! 
• Mediterranean tuna salad: We love this no-mayo tuna salad. It’s simple, easy and so tasty!
• Mediterranean potato salad: This is a mayo-free potato salad that’s perfect for summer. 

Fattoush dressing recipe

Fattoush dressing is what makes this salad stand out. The combination of sumac, lime or lemon juice, olive oil and some salt brings an amazing flavor to the simple Middle Eastern salad. The key ingredient in fattoush salad dressing is the sumac. It’s a deep red spice made from grinding sumac berries and it has a tart flavor. You can find sumac in middle eastern shops or online. Read more about sumac and how to use it on The Kitchn. I usually make a big batch of this fattoush salad dressing and keep it in the fridge for up to a week and use it on all kinds of salad.

You can serve this fresh Lebanese salad with main dishes such as

• Shish tawook 
• Chicken shawarma
• Beef shish kabob 
• Chicken shish kabob 
• Homemade falafel with tahini sauce

It would also make a delicious side dish to accompany rice dishes like Lebanese rice with vermicelli or mujadara. Because of all the fresh vegetables and the tangy dressing, In summer, a big bowl of fattoush salad on its own can make me really happy!

Notes and tips for fattoush salad recipe

• If you decide to serve fattoush later, make the salad but don’t mix it with the dressing or the toasted pita. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and toasted pita and serve immediately. That being said, it’s best to make fattoush right before serving so all the ingredients are fresh. 
• You can make the toasted pita ahead of time, but it’s always best to make it fresh so it’s crispy. It’s best to let pita become a bit stale before frying it for this Lebanese fattoush salad. 
• Use fresh vegetables to make this Lebanese salad. You can use any type of vegetables such as bell peppers, dill, different types of lettuce and tomatoes.
• Don’t skip the sumac as it’s the main ingredient for the dressing used in this Lebanese fattoush recipe.

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