Bread Salad(Fatoosh)
A refreshing Middle Eastern bread salad with crisp pita, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing, perfect for light meals or side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the pita bread in the oven at 350°F to crisp, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, chopped green onions, sliced radishes, sliced cucumber, tomato wedges, crushed garlic (if using), chopped mint, and chopped parsley.
- Add the toasted pita pieces to the salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for a crunchy, fresh salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some feta cheese or olives to your salad. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the pita bread with crispy rice cakes. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also enhance the salad's freshness. Make sure to toast the pita just until crisp to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
This Bread Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues. Consider serving it alongside Tuna Or Swordfish With Tomato-Arugula Salsa for a delightful Mediterranean meal. For a vegetarian option, it can stand alone as a refreshing light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bread salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the pita may lose its crunch. To revive it, you can reheat the salad briefly in the oven at a low temperature, or serve it with freshly toasted pita on the side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Salad(Fatoosh) contains roughly 1174 calories, with 21g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2752mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crunch of the pita and freshness of the vegetables. Store the dressing separately and combine everything for the best texture.
What can I substitute for cucumber?
If you don't have cucumber on hand, you can use diced bell peppers or even zucchini for a different texture and flavor. Both options will still provide a refreshing crunch that complements the other ingredients well.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Bread Salad is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following a vegan lifestyle. You can enhance the flavor with some vegan feta or nutritional yeast if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).