Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a burst of flavors and textures? Dive into the vibrant world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Toasted Pita Fattoush Quinoa Salad! This delightful dish combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy toasted pita, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together with a zesty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to be a showstopper on any table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 4 pita breads, toasted and broken
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool to room temperature, fluffing with a fork occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread pita breads on a baking sheet and toast until crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool, then break into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice cucumber and tomatoes into uniform small cubes. Finely chop red onion, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced vegetables, chopped herbs, and toasted pita pieces.
- Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious salad.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating called saponin, which can give a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this.
- Cool the Quinoa: Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents wilting the fresh veggies and keeps your salad crisp.
- Toast the Pita: For extra flavor, consider brushing the pita with a little olive oil and sprinkling some herbs before toasting. This will add an aromatic touch to your salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint for the best flavor. If you can, try to chop them just before adding to the salad to preserve their freshness.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing. This resting period helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning! Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference to create your perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is incredibly refreshing when served chilled, making it a perfect dish for warm weather or outdoor gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
