Looking to add some Middle Eastern flavors to your culinary repertoire? Why not try making a delicious and refreshing Lebanese fattoush salad? Packed with fresh veggies and zesty flavors, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal. Join me as I share my story of learning to create an authentic Fattoush salad, and I’ll also provide you with the recipe so you can replicate it in your kitchen!
It was a warm summer evening in Manhattan, and I found myself at a small Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away in the city’s bustling streets. The aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the coming meal. As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on the Fattoush salad. The colorful mix of greens, tomatoes, and herbs caught my attention, and I tried it.
As I took my first bite, I felt like I was in the streets of Beirut. The crunch of fresh cucumbers and radishes, paired with the zesty tang of lemon and sumac, was a flavor explosion in my mouth. The salad was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I knew I had to get the recipe.
Just as I was about to ask the waiter for the recipe for this delicious dish, I heard a commotion from the kitchen. I could hear the clanging of pots and pans from my seat. It turned out that the kitchen equipment had broken down, leaving the chef, an old Lebanese woman, in a bind.
When I finished my meal, I approached the owner and begged him for the recipe. He initially seemed hesitant, but he finally agreed to give it to me after some convincing.
To make Lebanese fattoush salad, start with a bed of lettuce, romaine, or iceberg, and add some spinach for nutrition. Finely chop up some parsley to add a fresh brightness to the salad. In addition, add some large tomatoes, like Roma or vine tomatoes, or even cherry or grape tomatoes, for a burst of sweetness. Green peppers, sweet or spicy, add another layer of flavor. Similarly, any cucumbers do, although Persian cucumbers are most commonly used in Middle Eastern salads.
However, green onions are a milder alternative to the strong flavor of onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the dressing. Finally, try throwing in some radishes to add a mildly spicy and zesty flavor that’s crisp and fresh.
To dress the salad, mix some lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac, a Middle Eastern spice that adds a tart and tangy flavor. Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Fattoush salad can be a light, refreshing meal or a side dish alongside grilled meats or kebabs. It pairs particularly well with hummus and pita bread. Likewise, other Middle Eastern favorites like tabbouleh or baba ganoush.
You can serve the Lebanese fattoush salad as a standalone or side dish, and it pairs well with various other Middle Eastern dishes. There are a few ideas for what you can serve with Fattoush salad. For example:
Hummus and Pita Bread: The creamy texture of hummus and the crispy texture of pita bread are the perfect complements to the crunchy and zesty Fattoush salad.
Grilled Meats: Fattoush salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats. For instance, chicken shawarma, lamb kebabs, or beef kofta.
Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a salad made from parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, and it’s another popular Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with Fattoush salad.
Baba Ganoush: Baba Ganoush is a dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a creamy and flavorful dip with crunchy Fattoush salad.
Falafel: Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. The crispy and flavorful falafel balls go well with the zesty and refreshing Fattoush salad.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions are a great addition to Fattoush salad. Moreover, the smoky flavor of the vegetables complements the zesty flavors of the salad.
The Lebanese fattoush salad is versatile with various other Middle Eastern dishes. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or a flavorful side dish, Fattoush salad is a great choice.
Here is how I created the Lebanese fattoush salad at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 Lebanese flatbreads
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1/2 cucumber
- 2 spring onions
- Approximately 5 radishes
- A handful of parsley
- A handful of baby leaf salad
- 4-5 romaine lettuce leaves
- A handful of Purslane or watercress leaves
- Approximately 10 mint leaves
- A handful of pomegranate seeds
- Drizzle of pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- A good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 regular lemon
- Approximately 1/2 tablespoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to make Lebanese fattoush salad?
- The first step is to ensure you thoroughly wash all the vegetables. This is an important step to ensure the salad is clean and free of dirt or impurities.
- Next, take the Lebanese flatbreads and tear them into roughly 1-inch squares. Then, fry them until golden but not too crispy. This step adds a delicious crunch to the salad, making it more filling.
- Once the bread is done, put a handful of mixed baby leaf salad into a bowl. Add the chopped romaine lettuce, medium-sized tomato chunks, sliced cucumbers and radishes, finely chopped spring onion, parsley, mint leaves, and a handful of whole Purslane leaves. This combination of vegetables adds various colors, textures, and flavors to the salad.
- After adding the vegetables, sprinkle on the sumac and salt. Sumac is a spice that Middle Eastern cuisine commonly uses and has a tangy flavor that pairs well with the salad. Add a good drizzle of lemon and extra virgin olive oil, which adds a bright and fresh taste to the salad. Finally, add a tiny drizzle of molasses and a handful of pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness and color.
- Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined, and taste the salad to adjust the seasoning as needed. Just before serving, add the fried bread to the salad to stay crispy and not get soggy.
- When you bite this Lebanese fattoush salad, the textures, flavors, and spices will fill your taste buds with joy. It’s no wonder people cry joyfully when eating this delicious salad!
Thank you for joining me today as we explored the wonderful world of Middle Eastern cuisine specifically the delicious Lebanese fattoush salad. I hope you found this experience as enjoyable as I did and that you feel inspired to try making this refreshing salad in your kitchen. Remember, trying out new recipes and exploring different flavors is a great way to expand your culinary skills and palate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or spice combinations; always keep an open mind when trying new things.
