Dessert

Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pitta and Sumac Recipe

Name: Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pitta and Sumac Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-491550H59M26S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tomatoes, chopped into chunks; ¼ cucumber, deseeded and sliced; ½ red onion, sliced; 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded; Handful of mint leaves, roughly chopped; Handful of parsley leaves, roughly chopped; 1 tsp sumac; ½ garlic clove, crushed; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 pita breads

ByNoah Steele January 23, 2026January 23, 2026

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Introduction

Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread for a satisfying crunch. Its zesty dressing and fragrant herbs make it a refreshing choice for any meal.

A white, scalloped-edge plate holds a fresh salad with three visible layers: the bottom layer is bright green lettuce leaves, the middle layer shows thick slices of red tomatoes and curved light green cucumber pieces, and the top layer is thin rings of purple onion sprinkled with a dark seasoning. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, near torn pieces of beige pita bread and a white bowl with a spoon inside, containing golden liquid. The scene is bright and clean, showing the freshness of the salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tomatoes, chopped into chunks
¼ cucumber, deseeded and sliced

½ red onion, sliced
1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded

Handful mint leaves, roughly chopped
Handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped

2 pitta breads
1 tsp sumac
½ garlic clove, crushed

2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1: The night before, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, romaine lettuce, mint, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix well but keep the pita bread and sumac separate.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing by whisking together the crushed garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4: The next morning, toast the pita breads until they are lightly golden and crisp. Let them cool, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Add the toasted pita to the salad and gently mix together. Divide the salad into containers or serving bowls, then sprinkle the sumac evenly over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, consider tossing in some diced radishes or bell pepper.

If you prefer, replace pitta bread with toasted flatbread or pita chips.
Adjust the amount of sumac to balance the tartness according to your taste.
Use fresh herbs generously to enhance the salad’s bright flavor.

Storage

Store the fattoush salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the pita bread crispy, store it separately and add just before serving. If the salad becomes soggy, refresh it with a squeeze of lemon and extra olive oil before eating.

How to Serve

A white scalloped oval plate holds a fresh salad with multiple layers: the base layer is bright green lettuce pieces, topped with deep red tomato chunks, dark green cucumber slices, and thin rings of light purple onion. The salad is sprinkled with dark spices for a finishing touch. Next to the plate, on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with a light brown dressing and a white spoon inside it. There are also pieces of pale brown pita bread on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make fattoush on the same day?

Yes, you can prepare fattoush on the same day, but letting the salad marinate overnight helps the flavors to develop fully.

What is sumac and can I substitute it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. If you don’t have sumac, a small squeeze of extra lemon juice can add similar acidity.