Fattoush(The Peasant Salad)
Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and crunchy bread, perfect for a light, flavorful, and refreshing meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped lettuce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups croutons or toasted Lebanese bread, broken in small pieces
- 1 tablespoon mint ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cucumbers, green pepper, green onions, tomatoes, and chopped lettuce in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and sumac to the vegetables.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the broken croutons or toasted Lebanese bread.
- Toss lightly to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of pomegranate molasses or diced radishes for crunch. If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought croutons for homemade. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added for an extra layer of freshness. This Fattoush salad is inspired by Mediterranean recipes and is versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Fattoush can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light main course paired with grilled meats or falafel. It also complements dishes like Greek Country Salad or Spinach With Pine Nuts And Raisins beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it alongside hummus and warm pita bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fattoush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it's best to keep the croutons separate until serving to maintain their crunch. When ready to enjoy, simply toss the salad again and add the croutons for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fattoush(The Peasant Salad) contains roughly 559 calories, with 17g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2661mg per serving (116% 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 Fattoush salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components in advance, but it's best to add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. The flavors improve as they meld, so chilling the salad for an hour is ideal.
What can I substitute for sumac?
If you don't have sumac, you can use lemon zest or a little extra lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. Alternatively, a pinch of za'atar can provide a similar herbal note.
Is Fattoush salad vegan?
Yes, Fattoush is a vegan salad, making it suitable for plant-based diets. With its fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a nutritious choice that can be enjoyed by everyone.
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).