This authentic fattoush salad is a vibrant Lebanese classic — crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and golden pita chips, all tossed in a tangy sumac-pomegranate dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with bright Middle Eastern flavors in every bite.
What makes a real fattoush special is the details: toasted (or fried) pita for that signature crunch, tart sumac, and a splash of pomegranate molasses in the dressing. It comes together in about 20 minutes, makes the perfect light lunch or side dish, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, shawarma, or any Mediterranean spread. Once you try the homemade dressing, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, colorful, and crunchy
- Tangy pomegranate molasses dressing
- Perfect for summer meals
- Great with grilled chicken, fish, or kebabs
- Easy Middle Eastern-style salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 pita breads or 1 Lebanese bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 5 cups cos or romaine lettuce, cut into large bite-size pieces
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers, thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds (3 mm)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, about 7 oz (200 g), or 1 1/2 regular tomatoes cut into large chunks
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 red radishes, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, lightly packed, large leaves torn in half
- 1 tbsp roughly chopped parsley
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (30 ml)
- 2 tsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 medium garlic clove, finely grated or crushed
- 1 tsp sumac, optional but recommended
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Pita bread: Pita or Lebanese bread works well. Toast it until crisp so it stays crunchy in the salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Romaine gives the best crisp texture. You can also use little gem lettuce.
- Lebanese cucumbers: These are thin-skinned and crunchy. Persian cucumbers are a good substitute.
- Radishes: Radishes add a peppery crunch and beautiful color. Slice them thin so they blend well with the salad.
- Mint and parsley: Fresh herbs are important in fattoush. They make the salad taste bright and fresh.
- Pomegranate molasses: This gives the dressing its sweet-tart flavor. If you do not have it, add a little extra lemon juice and a small pinch of sugar, but the flavor will be different.
- Sumac: Sumac adds a lemony Middle Eastern flavor. The salad is still delicious without it.
How to Make Lebanese Fattoush Salad
- Cut the pita bread or Lebanese bread into bite-size pieces.
- Toss the bread pieces with olive oil and salt.
- Toast or bake until golden and crisp, then set aside.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, garlic, sumac, and salt.
- Shake or whisk until the dressing is well combined.
- Add the romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, radishes, mint, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Add the crispy pita bread just before serving.
- Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Add the pita bread at the end so it stays crispy.
- Slice the onion thinly so it does not overpower the salad.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best dressing flavor.
- Dry the lettuce well before mixing so the dressing does not become watery.
- Taste the dressing before adding it and adjust lemon juice or salt if needed.
- Tear larger mint leaves so the flavor spreads through the salad.
- Serve right away after tossing for the best crunch.
- Toast the pita until fully crisp, not just lightly warm.
Storage & Freezing
- Lebanese Fattoush Salad is best served fresh after tossing.
- Storage: Store the chopped vegetables, dressing, and pita bread separately in the refrigerator. The vegetables can be kept for up to 2 days, and the dressing can be kept for up to 4 days.
- After tossing: Once mixed with dressing and pita, the salad is best eaten right away because the pita softens.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Add chickpeas for extra texture and plant-based protein.
- Use mixed greens with romaine for a softer salad.
- Add bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
- Add feta cheese for a salty, creamy variation.
Lebanese Fattoush Salad
A fresh Lebanese Fattoush Salad made with crisp romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, herbs, crunchy pita bread, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the pita bread or Lebanese bread into bite-size pieces.
- Toss the bread with olive oil and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool.
- Add the romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, radishes, mint, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, garlic, sumac, and salt.
- Shake or whisk until the dressing is well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Add the crispy pita bread just before serving.
- Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Add the crispy pita bread right before serving so it does not get soggy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Sumac is optional, but it gives the salad a classic Middle Eastern taste.
- Adjust the pomegranate molasses to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.
- Store dressing, vegetables, and pita separately if making ahead.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
What is fattoush salad?
Fattoush is a Middle Eastern bread salad made with fresh vegetables, herbs, crispy pita bread, and a tangy dressing.
Can I make fattoush ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the pita bread and dressing separate until serving so the salad stays crisp.
What does pomegranate molasses taste like?
It has a tangy, sweet, slightly fruity flavor that makes the dressing rich and bright.
Can I make this without sumac?
Yes. Sumac adds a classic lemony flavor, but the salad will still taste fresh without it.
How do I keep the pita bread crispy?
Toast it well and add it only right before serving.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. If using a large cucumber, remove some seeds if they are watery, then slice it thinly.
Key Takeaways
- This authentic fattoush salad features crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and pita chips in a tangy dressing.
- The salad is quick to prepare, perfect as a light meal or side, and pairs well with grilled meats or Mediterranean dishes.
- Key ingredients include toasted pita, sumac, and pomegranate molasses for unique flavor.
- Fresh herbs enhance the salad’s brightness, while variations like grilled chicken or feta add heartiness.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the salad’s crunch and freshness.
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
