Mediterranean Fattoush Salad Recipe
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If you’re looking for a healthy, colorful, and flavorful salad, this Mediterranean Fattoush Salad is exactly what you need! Filled with a variety of fresh veggies, crunchy pita chips, and a tangy lemon dressing, this Lebanese-inspired salad is a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Mediterranean Fattoush Salad is a classic Middle Eastern salad that’s Lebanese in origin. Fattoush salad consists of fresh veggies, beans, feta cheese and crunchy pita chips, tossed in a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.
Fattoush salad has all these different colors and textures, and it’s so refreshing and bursting with flavor. This very tasty Mediterranean salad recipe is a very tasty way to eat all these nutritious healthy veggies!
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Fattoush Salad
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: This salad is loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley, making every bite refreshing and delicious.
- Crispy and Satisfying: The combination of crunchy pita chips and crisp green beans gives this salad a wonderful texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber from the chickpeas and veggies, this salad is not only flavorful but also full of nutrients that your body will love.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal cooking involved (just a quick microwave for the green beans), this salad comes together in no time for a perfect last-minute meal or side dish.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, making this salad as versatile as it is delicious.
Mediterranean Fattoush Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, ends trimmed: Adds a crisp and fresh texture to the salad.
- 2 cups lettuce leaves: Provides a light, refreshing base.
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped: Adds coolness and crunch to every bite.
- 2 tomatoes, chopped: Brings a burst of juicy flavor and color.
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped: Freshens up the salad with its bright, herbal taste.
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed (or you can use any other kinds of beans): Adds protein and heartiness to make the salad more filling.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: A salty, creamy addition that complements the tangy flavors.
- 1 cup pita chips, broken in half or quarters (store-bought, or you can make your own pita chips in a microwave): Adds crunch and texture, making the salad more satisfying.
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, providing richness.
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (see best way to juice a lemon): Adds a zesty, tangy flavor to the dressing.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Mediterranean Fattoush Salad
- Microwave – To quickly cook the green beans.
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all the salad ingredients.
- Measuring cups – To measure out the ingredients precisely.
- Measuring spoons – To measure the olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
Instructions How To Make Fattoush Salad
- Cook the green beans in the microwave on High for 3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- In a cup, mix the olive oil with lemon juice to make a dressing.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy this crispy, juicy, tangy and refreshing fattoush salad! For another great Lebanese salad recipe, check out how to make Tabouleh salad – yum!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Mediterranean Fattoush Salad alongside grilled chicken or air-fried turkey for a complete meal.
- Pair it with hummus and pita bread for a light and healthy Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
- It also makes a great side dish for any barbecue or picnic, complementing dishes like grilled cauliflower or kebabs.
- Add a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing lunch or dinner, perfect for warm weather days.
Tips For Success
- Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Since this salad is all about the fresh, vibrant flavors of vegetables and herbs, be sure to use the freshest produce you can find for the best taste and texture.
- Crisp Pita Chips: For the perfect crunch, make sure to add the pita chips just before serving. If they sit in the salad too long, they might become soggy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add extra veggies depending on what you have on hand. Radishes, bell peppers, or even arugula would be great additions.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing and pita chips separately to maintain the salad’s crunch. Toss everything together right before serving for the best texture.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the salad after tossing it with the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavors of the vegetables and feta should be well-balanced.
Variations And Substitutions
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak to make this salad a complete, protein-packed meal.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking to make this salad dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like vegan feta.
- Different Greens: Instead of lettuce, try using arugula, spinach, or kale to switch up the texture and flavor of the salad.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita chips or substitute with crispy chickpeas or nuts for that crunchy element.
- Alternative Dressings: While the olive oil and lemon juice dressing is traditional, you can switch it up by adding a little balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses, or even a dash of tahini for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Mediterranean Fattoush Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad crisp, store the pita chips separately and add them right before serving.
- Reheating: Since this is a cold salad, no reheating is necessary. However, if the pita chips have become soft, you can quickly re-toast them in the oven or microwave to bring back their crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but keep the dressing and pita chips separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Mediterranean Fattoush Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but for the best results, keep the pita chips and dressing separate until just before serving. This will help maintain the crispness of the pita chips and ensure the salad stays fresh and crunchy.
Can I use a different dressing for this salad?
Absolutely! While olive oil and lemon juice are traditional for Fattoush, you can experiment with other dressings. Balsamic vinaigrette, pomegranate molasses, or even a creamy tahini dressing can work well with this salad.
How do I keep the pita chips from getting soggy?
The key to keeping the pita chips crunchy is to add them to the salad right before serving. If you’re storing leftovers or making the salad ahead, keep the pita chips in a separate container and toss them in when you’re ready to eat.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses pita chips, which contain gluten. However, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pita chips or swapping them out for another crunchy element like toasted nuts or seeds.
What can I substitute for feta cheese to make this salad dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, you can either omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. There are several plant-based feta options available that will provide a similar tangy flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes! Fattoush is a versatile salad, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Radishes, bell peppers, or even carrots would be great additions to this salad.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Once dressed, the salad is best eaten the same day. However, if you store the dressing and pita chips separately, the salad can last in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
Other Easy Mediterranean Recipes
Roasted Whole Branzino Recipe (Mediterranean Sea Bass): This easy roasted whole branzino recipe brings out the fresh, tender flavors of Mediterranean sea bass with a simple mix of herbs and olive oil.
Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Vegan & Easy: This refreshing and protein-packed Mediterranean chickpea salad is a healthy, vegan option perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.
Copycat Mediterranean Crunch Salad Recipe from Whole Foods: This copycat recipe recreates the famous Mediterranean crunch salad from Whole Foods, full of fresh vegetables, grains, and a tangy dressing.
Mediterranean Fattoush Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans ends trimmed
- 2 cups lettuce leaves
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup pita chips broken into pieces
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Microwave to cook green beans
- Large mixing bowl
Instructions
- Microwave the green beans on High for 3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- In a small cup, mix the olive oil and lemon juice to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, chickpeas, and feta cheese.
- Add the pita chips to the bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pita chips or easily make your own by baking or microwaving pieces of pita bread until crispy.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the pita chips.
More Salad Recipes
- Simple Kidney Bean Salad Recipe
- Low-Carb Keto Salmon Salad Recipe (Fresh or Canned)
- Tuna and Avocado Wrap Recipe (No Mayo)
