Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of the Middle East. Fattoush is more than just a chopped salad – it's a refreshing explosion of colors, textures, and flavors that will transport you to the bustling markets of Beirut with every single bite. Packed with crisp vegetables, zesty dressing, and a magical blend of herbs, this Mediterranean marvel is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup radishes, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring all vegetables are clean and free from dirt.
- Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice cucumber and tomatoes into uniform small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size, and add to the bowl.
- Thinly slice radishes using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating delicate, translucent rounds.
- Finely chop green onions and fresh parsley, including both white and green parts of the onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- Add sliced radishes, chopped green onions, and parsley to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh Fattoush Mediterranean Chopped Salad.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest vegetables you can find. The crispness of your ingredients will make or break this salad.
- Sumac Secret: Don't skip the sumac! This tangy, slightly citrusy spice is what gives authentic Fattoush its distinctive Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Cutting Technique: Take your time when chopping vegetables. Uniform, bite-sized pieces ensure a perfect balance in every forkful.
- Dressing Do's: Whisk your dressing thoroughly and let it sit for a few minutes before adding to the salad to allow the flavors to meld.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the vegetables to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so keep it refrigerated until just before serving.Pro Tip: For an extra authentic touch, some traditional recipes include toasted or fried pita bread pieces mixed into the salad, adding a delightful crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
