| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 190 | 12g | 2g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 4g | 0.5g |
When I stumbled upon the recipe for Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing, I instantly knew it was something special. Growing up in Montana, my palate was shaped significantly by hearty rancher’s dishes and Native American culinary traditions, but as I’ve embraced new flavors, I’ve become enamored with foods from different cultures. Lebanese cuisine, with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, holds a particular charm for me, and this salad is no exception.
A Celebration of Freshness
The Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing is a vibrant celebration of freshness and texture. The mixed greens chosen—whether lettuce, arugula, or spinach—provide a crisp base that is perfectly complemented by the bright and juicy cherry tomatoes, and the crunch of cucumber and bell peppers. The sumac dressing adds that unique tang, which is so quintessentially Middle Eastern.
Health Benefits Galore
One of the reasons I deeply appreciate this recipe is because it’s incredibly nutritious. The assortment of fresh vegetables like radishes, cucumber, and bell peppers are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The homemade dressing, featuring extra virgin olive oil, provides heart-healthy fats, while sumac, a spice that deserves more recognition, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Like many Mediterranean salads, this one is low in calories but high in flavor, making it a perfect choice for a balanced diet.
This salad is also incredibly versatile. While it’s a fantastic dish on its own, it can be paired beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or lamb. If you’re looking to create a full Middle Eastern spread, consider serving it alongside Tabbouleh or Baba Ganoush. The toasted pita bread adds a wonderful crunchy texture that elevates every bite, somewhat resembling croutons but with a delightful, unique twist.
Another delightful aspect is how adaptable this salad is. Feel free to experiment by adding other seasonal vegetables or herbs you love. The torn fresh mint and chopped parsley bring an aromatic touch that highlights the other ingredients superbly.
The beauty of the Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing extends beyond its visual appeal and its health benefits. It’s a dish that stimulates the senses while offering a nod to different culinary traditions. Making this salad reminds me of the importance of blending the familiar with the new, keeping our kitchens—and our lives—rich, diverse, and exciting.
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups pita bread, toasted and broken into pieces
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method
Step One
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, radishes, fresh mint leaves, and fresh parsley.
Step Two
Add the toasted pita bread pieces to the salad bowl and gently toss to combine with the other ingredients.
Step Three
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the sumac dressing.
Step Four
Pour the sumac dressing over the salad and thoroughly toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Step Five
Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a good mix of greens, vegetables, and toasted pita bread pieces. Enjoy your Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing!
