Yemeni Fattoush Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad featuring a mix of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and crunchy toasted pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac and lemon dressing. While Fattoush is popular across the Levant, this version incorporates Yemeni culinary nuances.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Pita bread(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 head Romaine lettuce(chopped)
- 1 large Cucumber(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 5 Radishes(thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Green onions(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh mint(chopped)
- 6 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice(from 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon Pomegranate molasses(optional, for tanginess)
- 1.5 teaspoons Sumac
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Tear pita bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes💡 Tip: Watch the pita closely to prevent burning. - 2
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, green onions, parsley, and mint.
- 3
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses (if using), minced garlic, sumac, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
💡 Tip: For a stronger sumac flavor, you can add a little more. - 4
Pour about half of the dressing over the vegetables in the salad bowl. Toss gently to coat.
💡 Tip: Start with half the dressing and add more as needed to avoid over-dressing. - 5
Add the toasted pita chips to the salad and toss gently once more. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: Add pita chips just before serving to maintain their crispness. - 6
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Drizzle with any remaining dressing and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't over-toast the pita bread, as it can become too hard.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sumac and lemon juice to your preference for tartness.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or purslane for extra color and flavor.
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a nutty crunch.
- For a heartier salad, add grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas.