CRISP FATTOUSH SALAD WITH LEMON AND SUMAC
Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Toasted pita bread brings a satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber and the mild sharpness of red onion. The fresh parsley brightens the mix, while the zesty dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and sumac ties everything together with its tangy and earthy flavour. Each bite offers a contrast of texture, crisp bread, tender vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it both wholesome and satisfying. Traditionally enjoyed as part of a mezze spread, this salad also works beautifully as a light lunch, appetiser or side dish to grilled meats. Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac is simple to prepare yet full of flavour, making it a timeless favourite for gatherings or everyday meals.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Side, Appetiser
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Marinate, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic, Potluck, Summer, Family Gathering, Cocktail Party, Wedding, Dinner Party, Anniversary, Brunch, Tailgating, Super Bowl
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic, Quick & Easy, Wheat / Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 15 grams | 0.53 ounces | ¼ pita bread, toasted and broken
- 80 grams | 2.82 ounces | ¼ medium cucumber, diced
- 120 grams | 4.23 ounces | 1 medium tomato, diced
- 40 grams | 1.41 ounces | ¼ medium red onion, sliced
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 20 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon sumac
- 5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 30 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 225 kilocalories
- Fat: 14.0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.0 grams
- Carbohydrate: 23.4 grams
- Sugar: 6.8 grams
- Fibre: 3.2 grams
- Sodium: 719 milligrams
- Protein: 3.8 grams
- Calcium: 34 milligrams
- Potassium: 466 milligrams
- Iron: 1.20 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac:
- Toast The Pita Bread: Tear or cut the pita bread into small pieces. Toast in a preheated oven at 180° Celsius for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This adds the crunchiness that is essential for the texture of Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac.
- Chop The Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, tomato and slice the red onion thinly. Ensure even-sized pieces so that each bite has a balance of fresh vegetables.
- Mix The Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomato and red onion. Add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and freshness.
- Make The Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and sumac. The sumac gives the dressing a tangy and slightly sour flavour that complements the fresh vegetables.
- Combine Salad And Dressing: Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the mixed vegetables. Toss everything well, ensuring the dressing coats the vegetables evenly.
- Add The Toasted Pita: Fold the toasted pita pieces into the salad. This should be done just before serving to keep the bread crunchy.
- Serve Fresh: Garnish the salad with an additional sprinkle of sumac, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the toasted pita.
PREPARATION TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
7 minutes
TIPS
- Sumac Spice: Sumac adds a tangy flavour that makes Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac unique. It can be found in most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
- Toast Pita In Advance: You can toast the pita bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can quickly assemble the salad without waiting to toast the bread.
- Don’t Skip The Parsley: Fresh parsley is an essential ingredient in Crisp Fattoush Salad With Lemon And Sumac, giving the salad a bright and herbal flavour. Use flat-leaf parsley for the best results.
- Customise The Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like radishes, lettuce or bell peppers for a more varied texture and flavour.
VARIATIONS
- Add Chickpeas: For a protein boost, add some cooked chickpeas. This makes the salad more filling and perfect as a main dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pita bread or replace the pita entirely with crunchy gluten-free crackers.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the salad for a sweeter twist. This adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
- Add Feta Cheese: For a non-vegan version, crumble some feta cheese into the salad. It adds a creamy and salty contrast to the fresh vegetables and crunchy bread.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the chopped vegetables and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine the toasted pita with the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of the vegetables and the texture of the pita bread.
