Summer Arab Fattoush Salad with Crunchy Pita Croutons You Wont Stop Eating!

Published by Bat-El at August 16, 2023

Ingredients

Serves 2

2 pitas, or 2 slices multigrain bread
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp zaatar spice
1/2 tbsp sumac
pinch of salt and peppers to taste

For the Salad:

15 grape tomatoes
3 israeli cucumbers
1/4 red onion
1/3 cup fresh parsley/ mint
3 small radishes

Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 fresh lemon, squeezed
salt and back pepper to taste
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tbsp sumac
1/2 tbsp zaatar

This fresh crunchy and vibrant Mediterranean summer salad is going to get you excited about your most simplest and basic vegetables sitting in your fidget. Be ready to enjoy each bite with a zesty rich and flavorful zaatar and sumac dressing, the symbols of the Middle Eastern kitchen. What ties all the pieces together is the crunchy and so flavorful pita bread croutons that are simply addictive! They soak up those yummy juices from the tomatoes and the rich dressing. You don't have to travel in order to enjoy these yummy and authentic flavors. You can simply make this salad at your very own kitchen in less than 20 minuets. If you don't already own those iconic spices in your pantry, I highly encourage you to add then to your collection. They are super versatile and incredibly delicious. You'll want to add them to many more of your dishes! For example my favorite zaatar tofu crouton salad with my creamy tahini dressing on top, for a high protein, balanced vegan dinner or lunch!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Or 180 C.

1). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cut the bread or pita into bite-size pieces. Place on the baking sheet and drizzle olive oil, zaatar, sumac, pepper and salt. Mix and place in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until gold and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.

2). Chop/ cut the tomato and cucumber into medium bite size pieces and place in a bowl. Slice the radishes and chop the parsley or mint and cut onion into half-moons and add them to the bowl as well.

3). Place all the dressing components in a bowl and whisk until smoots. Pour the dressing on the salad and mix.

4). Add the pita croutons on top, and add some vegan feta if you wish. Finish it off with another drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac and enjoy every bite.

Watch it on YouTube

So what is Fattoush Salad?

Fattoush comes from the word “Fatteh” which in Arabic means little crumbs. And this salad represents the combination of our baked (or fried) seasoned pita croutons. Fattoush also combines seasonal vegetables and therefore may vary in textures from time to time.

How does zaatar taste like?

Zaatar is a middle eastern combination of savory herbs such as dry coriander, thyme, roasted cumin, dry oregano, sumac, salt, and sesame seeds. This blend of spices is very versatile and can be sprinkled and served with cold or bakes dishes. These pita croutons are super flavorful and delicious due to the combination of the authentic ingredients of good quality olive oil , sumac and zaatar spice.

I have seen stores that sell premade pita chips or croutons, but this step takes literally 2 minutes to make at home. Beside the fact that you can control the amount of oil and salt you put in it. You can also use corn tortillas for a gluten free version as well as taking advantage of your Air Fryer!

There are no rules to the exact vegetables or even shapes you put in this salad!

Feel free to use lettuce as a base, and green onions and peppers!

Use some chilli pepper if you are into spicy food, and add lots of fresh herbs to brighten it all up!

If you want to serve this salad for a big crowd, you can make the pita croutons the day before, and keep them in an airtight container on the counter. Same for the dressing! You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, just make sure to shake it well before you serve. And as far as the salad goes, I like to chop the veggies as close as possible to the meal.