Lebanese Fattoush Salad

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Lebanese Fattoush Salad combines all of my favorite fresh vegetables in one delicious bowl. The toasted pita bread adds some crunchy contrast and the generous dash of sumac spice gives Fattoush its distinctly awesome flavor.

Lebanese Fattoush Salad

There are two types of people in the world; Fattoush salad people and Tabbouleh salad people. These are two of the most recognizable Lebanese salads. In my family, the decision to make one or the other with dinner is a constant source of conflict.

WHAT IS FATTOUSH?

Fattoush translates to “crumbled bread” in Arabic and this Lebanese salad is topped with crispy crumbled pita chips which I’m assuming where the name came from. Pita bread is typically deep fried in Lebanese Fattoush, I enjoy mine toasted, baked or air fried just as much. 

Lebanese Fattoush salad

Ingredients to Make Lebanese Fattoush Salad:

(Scroll all the way down for full recipe and exact measurements)

  • Lettuce: Romaine. 
  • Parsley: Fresh finely chopped. 
  • Tomatoes:  You need to use the absolute best quality tomatoes you can find. 
  • Onions: I use white sweet onions, but green onions is also a great addition. You can mix a little of each. 
  • Cucumbers: Any cucumbers work, but Persian mini cucumbers are my favorite. 
  • Radishes: For extra crunch and flavor. 
  • Pita Bread: Try to use the thick pita bread if available and toast in oven or air fryer.
  • Fattoush salad dressing: is a combination of sumac spice, olive oil, salt, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar and a dash of pomegranate molasses (if available).

How to Make Fattoush Salad: 

Prepare the Fattoush Salad Dressing:

Whisk together the sumac, salt, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses, whisking continuously until emulsified. Set aside.

Toast the pita bread:

  • Cut the pita bread into bite size squares. Toss with olive oil and bake 400 F for 7-10 minutes or until crisp but not browned. I toasted mine in the air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes, shaking half way through.
  • Let the pita chips cool down, while you chop the veggies. 

Chop and assemble the Lebanese salad:

  • Chop all your veggies into bite size pieces. 
  • Add all the chopped ingredients to a large bowl.
  • Pour the dressing on top.
  • Toss everything to combine well.
  • Add toasted pita bread just before serving to stay crisp. 
  • Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Lebanese Fattoush Salad:

  • Prep lettuce: Wash the lettuce leaves and use a salad spinner to dry. If you don’t have one, use paper towels or linen towels. Drying lettuce is super important for a crispy salad!
  • Any type of cucumber is fine for this fattoush recipe as long as you remove the seeds before slicing. I’ve made this salad with standard waxed cucumbers, English cucumbers and little Persian cucumbers (my favorite) and it comes out great every time. If you’re using the waxy type of cucumber, you may want to peel them first.
  • Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford, for the best flavor!
  • Traditionally, pita bread is deep fried for fattoush salad, however the best and healthier alternative is to use an air fryer.
  • Keep the toasted pita bread on the side and toss right before serving, so it stays crisp and crunchy.

Can you Make Fattoush Ahead of Time?

If the salad has not been tossed, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If it has been tossed, it’s best to be served right away, since the pita chips will soggy and the lettuce won’t be crisp after that.  The dressing will keep well for up to 1 month in the fridge.

What to Serve with Fattoush Salad:

This Lebanese salad makes a great side that can be served along fish, chicken, meat or vegetarian and vegan dishes. Here are a Lebanese dishes suggestions that pairs well with fattoush: 

Chicken Tawook

Lebanese Chicken and Rice

Kafta Kabob

Lebanese Steak Shish Kabob

I make this Fattoush Salad all summer long. It uses simple ingredients that I always have on hand, and pairs perfectly with salmon, roasted chicken and steak for a healthy and hearty meal.

If you’ve tried this Lebanese Fattoush Salad recipe or any other recipe on Salt & Sweet, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it! 

The Best Fattoush Salad Recipe

Fattoush Salad

Lebanese Fattoush Salad

Yield: 5-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Fattoush salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, radishes, and onions in one delicious bowl. The toasted pita bread adds some crunchy contrast and the generous dash of sumac spice, gives Fattoush its distinctly awesome flavor.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2- 3 ripe tomato, cut into bite size pieces
  • 2-3 Persian cucumbers quartered
  • 5 radishes, diced
  • ¼ fresh mint- chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley- chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses- if available
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Fried Pita Bread

Instructions

Prepare the Fattoush Salad Dressing:

Whisk together the sumac, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt and pomegranate molasses. whisking continuously until emulsified. Set aside. Alternatively, add everything to a mason jar and shake well until well combined.

Toast the pita bread:

  • Cut the pita bread into bite size squares. Toss with olive oil and bake 400 F for 7-10 minutes or until crisp but not browned. If using an air fryer, place in air fryer basket at 400 F for 5 minutes, shaking half way through.
  • Let the pita chips cool down, while you chop the veggies. 
  • Chop and assemble the salad:

  • Wash and chop all your veggies into bite size pieces. 
  • Add all the chopped ingredients to a large bowl.
  • Pour the dressing on top. Toss everything to combine well.
  • Add toasted pita bread just before to stay crisp. 
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 165Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 506mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g

    Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

    Did you make this recipe?

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    8 Comments

    1. Oh yes! This was so tasty. I liked the idea of air frying the pita chips – so much healthier than deep fried. We used to get this salad at a Lebanese restaurant in the town we lived in but after we moved we missed it so much. Now I can enjoy it at home. Thanks!

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