How to Craft a Delicious Lebanese Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing
Lebanese cuisine is full of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and colorful dishes, and one of the best examples of this is Fattoush salad. This traditional Middle Eastern salad is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to make at home. Fattoush combines crisp vegetables, crunchy toasted bread, and a tangy dressing made with sumac spice, which gives it a unique zesty flavor. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cooking or just looking for a vibrant salad to add to your meal, this recipe is perfect for you.
In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step in crafting a delicious Lebanese Fattoush salad with sumac dressing. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, the preparation process, and tips to make your dish shine.
What Is Fattoush Salad?
Fattoush is a traditional salad popular across Lebanon and the broader Middle East. The name “Fattoush” comes from the Arabic word “fatteh,” which means “crumbs,” referring to the crispy pieces of flatbread that are often tossed into the salad. What makes Fattoush special is the unique sumac dressing, which adds a tangy, citrus-like flavor you can’t replicate with regular spices.
The salad is typically prepared with fresh, seasonal vegetables, so you can feel good knowing you’re enjoying a meal packed with health benefits. It’s bright, crunchy, and bursting with flavor — perfect as a starter or a side dish.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make Fattoush salad so delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the salad:
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes
– 1 cucumber
– Half a head of lettuce (Romaine works best)
– 1 green bell pepper
– A handful of fresh parsley
– A handful of fresh mint
– 4–6 radishes
– 2 spring onions or scallions
– 1–2 pieces of pita bread (or Lebanese flatbread)
For the sumac dressing:
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 teaspoons sumac spice
– 1 clove garlic (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s turn those ingredients into a fresh and delicious Fattoush salad!
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all your vegetables thoroughly to ensure they’re clean and ready for use. Start by chopping the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber into small chunks, and thinly slice the radishes.
Next, chop the parsley and mint leaves finely to release their aromatic flavors. Slice the green bell pepper and spring onions into thin strips. Once everything is ready, place the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Toast the Pita Bread
The crunchy pita bread pieces are one of the highlights of Fattoush salad. Take your pita bread and either toast it in a toaster or bake it in the oven until crispy. If you prefer a more authentic taste, you can fry the pita in a little olive oil for added richness.
Once it’s crispy, break the bread into small pieces, like croutons. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the dressing.
Step 3: Make the Sumac Dressing
Now it’s time to create the magic! In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac spice. If you like stronger flavors, add one crushed clove of garlic. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix the dressing well until everything is combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed — feel free to add more lemon for extra tang or sumac for a deeper flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Pour the sumac dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss everything gently so that the dressing coats each ingredient evenly. Once mixed, add the crispy pita bread pieces into the salad. Toss lightly to combine, but be careful not to let the bread soften too much — you want it to remain crunchy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Lebanese Fattoush salad is ready to serve! Transfer it to a large plate or bowl, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra sumac or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Fattoush pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, falafel, or even as a refreshing stand-alone dish.
Tips for Perfect Fattoush Salad
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Use Fresh, Seasonal Produce
The salad’s flavor shines when you use fresh vegetables and herbs. If you can, buy organic or locally sourced ingredients for the best taste. -
Customize Your Salad
You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or red onion based on your preference. Feel free to experiment! -
Amp Up the Crunch
If you love extra crunch, add roasted chickpeas or cucumbers with seeds removed. And if you don’t like soggy bread, add the pita just before serving. -
Don’t Skip Sumac
Sumac is the key spice in Fattoush. Without it, you’ll lose the signature tangy flavor that makes the salad pop. You can find sumac at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
Why You Should Try Fattoush Salad
This Lebanese Fattoush salad with sumac dressing isn’t just delicious — it’s also nutritious and easy to make. Packed with fresh greens, crunchy bread, and a tangy dressing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or a simple lunch when you’re craving something refreshing.
So, grab your cutting board, chop up some veggies, and whip up a bowl of vibrant Fattoush salad today. Your taste buds will thank you!
