Middle Eastern’s Classic Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad is a Middle Eastern dish that is popular in many countries, including Lebanon and Syria. The key ingredients of this traditional salad include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sumac, and pita chips.

The combination of these ingredients creates an incredible flavour experience that can be enjoyed as part of a main meal. attoush salads are usually finished off with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for added zing. This popular dish also contains plenty of health benefits due to its high content of vitamins and minerals.

Basic Ingredients for Fattoush Salad

Salad:

Lamb Lettuce: Lamb lettuce (or lamb’s lettuce) is an edible species of the Valerianaceae family, typically identified by its small, spoon-shaped leaves. This leafy green is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants, which contribute to its role as a dietary staple.

Pita Bread: Pita is a type of flatbread originating in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. It is typically made from wheat flour, water, and yeast, resulting in an unleavened bread that is usually baked in a very hot oven. Furthermore, Pita has a distinctive pocket-like shape that makes it an excellent carrier for many types of fillings such as salads, falafel, and hummus.

Pomegranate Molasses: Pomegranate molasses is an interesting culinary ingredient derived from the juice of pomegranate fruit. It is produced through a slow boiling process, whereby the natural sugars and tannins within the juice caramelise, creating a thick syrup-like consistency.

Dressing:

Olive Oil: Olive oil is edible oil. It has been used in cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries, with evidence suggesting its use, dates back to ancient civilizations. Olive oil is composed primarily of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that has been linked to numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Apple Vinegar: Apple vinegar, scientifically known as malic acid, is a type of acidic liquid derived from the fermentation of apple cider. Its sour taste is attributed to its high content of acetic acid.

Ground Sumac: Ground sumac is a fine powder-like spice that is derived from the dried and crushed fruit of the Rhus coriaria plant. It is commonly found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and is known to contain an array of nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Pink Salt: Pink salt is a type of rock salt, known as Himalayan pink salt, that is composed of various minerals and trace elements. The salt derives its characteristic pink hue from the presence of iron oxide. It is extracted from the foothills of the Himalayas Mountains in Pakistan.

Serving Tips for Fattoush Salad

• The key to making a great Fattoush salad is adding plenty of crunchy vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and peppers.
• To add an authentic Middle Eastern touch, sprinkle the salad with pomegranate seeds or sumac powder before serving.
• To make the dressing, mix together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined and pour over the top of the salad before serving.
• For added texture and flavor, top your Fattoush salad with crunchy croutons or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.

Fattoush Salad (Full Video)