Fattoush
Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring fresh vegetables, crispy pita chips, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut pita breads into halves.
- Cut each half into 8 wedges and place on a shallow baking pan.
- Bake until crisp, turning occasionally, about 25 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, crumbled Feta cheese, sliced and quartered red onion, and tomato wedges.
- Mix vinaigrette salad dressing with chopped flat leaf parsley and crushed dried mint leaves.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using freshly baked pita chips instead of store-bought. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute crumbled Feta cheese with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also enhance the salad's flavor. Adjust the vinaigrette according to your taste, adding more acidity or sweetness as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Fattoush is best served fresh but pairs beautifully with tossed Greek salad for a complete meal. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or serve it alongside Mediterranean recipes like baked sliced eggplant for a delightful spread. Garnish with extra parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pita chips may lose their crispness, so consider reheating them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to restore their crunch before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fattoush contains roughly 97 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 Fattoush ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them separately from the dressing to keep the vegetables crisp. Combine them just before serving for the best texture. The dressing can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for an alternative to Feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese or even a non-dairy cheese can work well. Additionally, you could use cubed mozzarella for a milder flavor, though it will change the traditional taste of the salad.
Is Fattoush suitable for a vegan diet?
To make Fattoush vegan, simply omit the Feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese substitute. Ensure that the vinaigrette dressing is made with plant-based ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious, plant-based salad.
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).