Fattoush is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad that's perfect for any time of the day. The combination of fresh vegetables, crispy pita bread, and a zesty sumac dressing makes it a delightful and healthy dish. This salad is not only full of flavor but also a great way to use up leftover pita bread. It's quick to prepare, and the balance of textures—crunchy and fresh—makes it a favorite for a light meal or side dish.
Toast the Pita Bread. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the torn pita bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables. While the pita is toasting, chop the Romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, radishes, parsley, and mint leaves. Place them all in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
Assemble the Salad. Add the crispy pita bread to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables and pita are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy pita, or let it sit for a few minutes if you prefer the pita to soften slightly as it soaks in the dressing.
You can add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor. If you don't have sumac, you can substitute it with a little more lemon juice, but sumac adds a unique tangy flavor that's essential in traditional fattoush. Always use fresh herbs like mint and parsley to bring out the best flavors. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.