Lebanese Salad

Easy Fattoush Salad — Lebanese Crispy Pita is my go to fix when I want something fresh but I am also craving crunch. You know those days when you stare into the fridge and everything feels boring? This is the salad that snaps me out of it. It is bright, lemony, and loaded with chopped veggies, and the crispy pita makes it feel like a real meal. I started making it at home after ordering it way too many times at Lebanese spots and realizing it is actually simple. If you have 20 minutes and a cutting board, you are in great shape.

What is Fattoush?

Fattoush is a Lebanese salad that is all about using what you have, especially stale or leftover pita that you toast or fry until crispy. It is a “bread salad,” but in a way that feels light, not heavy. The classic vibe is chopped vegetables, lots of herbs, and a tangy dressing that usually includes lemon and sumac.

What makes Easy Fattoush Salad — Lebanese Crispy Pita stand out is the contrast. You get juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and then that loud crunch from the pita chips. And the dressing is punchy in the best way. If you have never used sumac before, it is slightly tart and kind of fruity, and it screams “fattoush” the second it hits your tongue.

Also, fattoush is forgiving. Some days I add more herbs, some days I toss in extra radish, and it still tastes like the real deal. It is the kind of salad that makes you feel like you did something nice for yourself without making a huge mess in the kitchen.

What You Need to Make This Fattoush Salad Recipe

I keep this ingredient list pretty practical. The only thing that might feel “specialty” is sumac, but once you buy it, you will find yourself sprinkling it on everything. I am putting the main pieces below so you can glance and shop fast.

Ingredients and quick shopping list

• Pita bread (2 to 3 rounds) for the crispy chips
• Romaine lettuce (or another crunchy lettuce)
• Cucumber (Persian or English is easiest)
• Tomatoes (ripe but not mushy)
• Radishes (optional but so good)
• Green onion or a small handful of thin sliced red onion
• Fresh parsley (a must for me)
• Fresh mint (even a little makes it pop)
• Sumac
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic (1 small clove, grated or smashed)
• Salt and black pepper

For the pita: I usually cut it into bite size squares, toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bake at 400F until crisp, about 8 to 12 minutes. You can also pan toast it. Keep an eye on it because it goes from “not yet” to “too dark” fast.

Dressing is simple: lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of sumac. Some people add pomegranate molasses, and if you have it, it is amazing. If not, do not stress. This is still a solid Easy Fattoush Salad — Lebanese Crispy Pita moment without it.

Small side note if you love crunchy snacks: I am the same person who cannot stop eating tangy fried things, so if that is you too, you might like these easy air fryer fried pickles on a snacky dinner night.

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Tips for Making Fattoush Salad

This is where the salad either turns out just “fine” or turns out “why did I not make this sooner?” Here are my real life tips from making it a lot.

My best little tricks (so it tastes like a restaurant)

Keep the veggies dry. If your cucumbers and tomatoes are super wet, the salad gets soggy faster. I usually chop, then let them sit a minute, and if there is a puddle, I drain it off.

Salt in layers. A pinch on the veggies and a pinch in the dressing makes everything taste more alive.

Do not add pita too early. This is the big one. Toss the salad, then add the crispy pita right at the end, right before serving. That is how you keep the crunch that makes Easy Fattoush Salad — Lebanese Crispy Pita so addictive.

Use enough herbs. Parsley and mint are not just “garnish.” They are part of the flavor.

Sumac matters. If you skip it, the salad is still good, but it will not taste like fattoush. I usually do a teaspoon in the dressing plus extra sprinkled on top.

“I made this for a family get together and everyone kept going back for more. The crispy pita trick at the end totally saved it from getting soggy.”

If you are meal prepping lunches, you can still do it, just keep the pita separate in a baggie and sprinkle it on when you eat. Crunch on demand.

What to Serve with Fattoush Salad

I love fattoush because it plays well with almost anything. It can be your side salad, but it can also be the main thing if you add a little protein.

• Chicken (grilled, baked, or rotisserie when you are tired)
• Kafta or any seasoned ground meat patties
• Falafel or hummus with extra pita
• Simple lentil soup for a cozy combo
• A boiled egg or tuna scoop if you want a fast lunch situation

Speaking of quick lunch energy, if you like easy protein salads, I rotate in this easy tuna egg salad when I need something filling with minimal effort. And if you are more of an egg salad person, this deviled egg salad is bold and fun, kind of like fattoush is bold and fun, just in a different way.

If you are serving fattoush at a get together, it is also nice to bring a sweet and salty side to balance the tang. This raspberry pretzel salad is one of those retro dishes people pretend they do not want, and then they magically take a second piece.

Storage recommendations

Fattoush is best fresh, no question. But you can absolutely set yourself up so leftovers still taste good.

If it is already dressed: store it in an airtight container and eat within 24 hours. The lettuce softens and the pita loses crunch, but the flavors are still tasty.

If you want smart leftovers: keep components separate. I do chopped veggies and herbs in one container, dressing in a small jar, and pita chips in a dry container or bag. Then you can build a fresh bowl whenever you want.

How to revive the pita: if it softened, toss it back in a hot oven for 2 to 3 minutes. It will not be exactly the same, but it helps.

Common Questions

Can I make fattoush without sumac?

You can, and it will still be a crunchy chopped salad, but it will not have that classic fattoush tang. If you cannot find sumac, add extra lemon and a tiny splash of vinegar to mimic some sharpness.

Is pita baked or fried for this salad?

Either works. I usually bake it because it is easy and less messy. Pan toasting is faster. Deep frying is super crunchy but more effort. All roads lead to crispy.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Keep the pita separate until the last second, and do not overdress it. You can always add more dressing, but you cannot take it out once everything is swimming.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even leftover steak slices are great. I also like adding a scoop of hummus on the side and calling it dinner.

What is the best lettuce for fattoush?

Romaine is my favorite because it stays crisp and holds up to the dressing. If you only have mixed greens, use them, just eat it right away.

A happy little crunchy salad moment

If you want a salad that actually feels exciting, Easy Fattoush Salad — Lebanese Crispy Pita is the one I make again and again. It is fresh, tangy, and crunchy in a way that makes you keep “taste testing” straight from the bowl. If you want another solid reference for flavors and ratios, check out Lebanese Fattoush Salad – RecipeTin Eats and then come back and make it your own. Grab a couple pitas, chop what you have, and do not forget that last minute pita toss. You are going to love this one.

Food safety note: if it has been sitting out at a picnic for a couple hours, I do not save it. Fresh salads are not worth gambling on.