It really shouldn’t be a laughing matter; I take my food very seriously, as most people could probably guess. And yet, every time someone utters the word “fattoush,” almost like clockwork, I can’t help but have a minor giggle fit. Yes, I know, it’s essentially nothing more exotic than a middle eastern bread salad, making use of just about any vegetable you have kicking around in the fridge and cut up old pitas, but I can’t help but hear “fat tush” when it’s spoken aloud. As in, “Get off your fat tush and make a damn salad!”
Instead of just keeping these immature thoughts to myself, I decided to indulge that impulse and finally make one. Why not? An excellent way to use up excess produce and past-prime bread, the seasonings give everything a flavorful new twist and breathe new life into an otherwise unexciting assembly of discordant edibles. While the summer veggies are still good for the getting, it doesn’t hurt to add to your yearly salad quota, too. Perhaps it can even prevent that “fat tush” it hints at. One can only hope.
Though I’ve included my own approach, swap and substitute at will, because this is another one of those “anything goes” sort of dishes. The only real key ingredient that can not be fooled around with is the za’atar. Though blends do vary in their exact contents and proportions, it involves ground sesame seeds plus various herbs and spices. You can buy a mix in middle eastern markets, or make your own very easily. Whatever you do, just don’t dream of omitting it!
Fattoush Salad

Fattoush is the best thing to happen since stale bread. Dried out pita gets new life as crispy croutons in this fresh, veggie-packed salad. Serve it as a side or an entree, at lunch or dinner, with or without fanfare. It's pretty spectacular in an understated sort of way.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Za’atar
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 6 or 8-Inch Round Pieces Pita Bread, Toasted and Chopped into Bite-Sized Pieces
- 1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas, Drained and Rinsed
- 1 3.8-Ounce Can Sliced Black Olives
- 1 Large Roma Tomato, Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Roasted and Diced
- 1 Head Romaine Lettuce, Chopped
- 1/4 Large Red Onion, Thinly sliced
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Mint Leaves, to Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
- Though this recipe barely needs instruction, here goes: Whisk
together the za’atar, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl. Slowly
drizzle in the oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
Once well-combined, set aside. - Toss together all of the remaining ingredients in a large salad bowl
so that all the veggies and pieces of pita are evenly distributed
throughout. Drizzle the dressing over while continuing to toss, so that
the whole salad gets an even coating. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to
taste, and top with mint leaves, if desired.
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365 Everyday Value, Garbanzo Beans, No Salt Added, 15.5 oz
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Baklava Bakery Lebanese Thin Pita Bread, 6count in 1 package (2 packs)
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The Spice Way - Real Zaatar with Hyssop spice blend | 2 oz | (No Thyme that is used as an hyssop substitute). With sumac. No Additives, No Perservatives, (Za'atar/zatar/zahtar/zahatar/za atar)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 7gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g
Ahh, I love za’atar, I need to buy some so badly! I’ve also always wanted to make homemade pita bread; have you ever?
Looks delicious!
That is funny! Now Im always going to be thinking “fat tush” too! So thanks!! :) haha
THis looks wonderful! Like a meal I would totally love! And your photos…amazing!
So many beautiful colors! I see we share a tushie-related giggle problem, I have a hard time not giggling whenver I hear the words “fat quarters!” It’s hard to walk by the fat quarters section at Hobby Lobby and not giggle like an eight year old kid! :D
PS: I won Alisa’s giveaway of awesomeness (four cookbooks, including yours!) and I am in love with all your gorgeous pictures!
Ooh now I know what I can do with the za’atar I picked up at Penzey’s the last time I was in Richmond! This salad looks de-lish & perfect for a potluck!
Get off your fat tush and make a damn salad, I like that. It is funny indeed. :D And I will be getting off my fat tush and making my fattoush lol.
I have a tub of za’atar that my mom brought back for me from Israel and I’ve never done anything with it. This seems like the absolute perfect reason to finally open it!
What a perfect salad to use all of those summer veggies in. I have a big bowl of chickpeas sitting in my frige right now.
We all have an inner five year old boy in us. It’s okay. I won’t judge you :P
I love panzanella and given my adoration of middle eastern flavors, I KNOW I would love fattoush! It looks so colorful and tasty!
beautiful salad!
Oooh, that looks delicious, I wish I had that for lunch today!
this looks so pretty. i am going to make this one soon. thank you
Oooh, I had fattoush out at a restaurant just this week! It was good, but in all honesty yours looks equally awesome. Definitely has more veggies than the restaurant one did, which is a big plus in my book!
This salad sounds wonderful. I’ve been dying to make/use za’atar in something for the longest time, and I don’t think I’l be able to resist much longer thanks to your beautiful pictures! Certainly a great way to use the pita bread I continually make!
I love your post title, it made me laugh.
Okay so now you’ve done it. I can’t stop thinking about fat tush….I mean fattoush
A lovely & special tasty salad!!
I so much loved your title,..hahaha,..it made me laugh!
i LOVE fattoush! beautiful photo too <3
Awesome, awesome photographs!!
this looks silly delicious and honestly like just what i need right now. yumm!
I’ve been wanting to try za’atar for a while now and recently discovered a love of salads with bread. This looks wonderful!
Beautiful salad! And I have always wondered the correct way to pronounce “fattoush”, hehe.
Yes, I giggle too!
Well i am a meddle east food lover so i must try this version of this recipe which is slightly different from mine, i’ll let you know the result
oh my goodness how funny, get off your fat tush!! lovely salad and I will never think of fattoush ths same again, lol
sweetlife
I’m giggling as I’m typing – beautiful looking salad! :-)
Hi there lovely blog! I’ve never heard of fattoush, but you certainly gave me a giggle too. It looks really fresh, so a thumbs up from me.
YUM! This looks better than any fattoush salad you could get around here, and that’s saying something since I live in Saudi Arabia. I’m really impressed, Hannah, this is a beautiful, colorful plate of food. I bet it is delicious!
Looks yummy. Have never heard of za’atar but looks like an excellent spice blend…printed the recipe and I believe I’ll give it a go.
Good way to get ride of a “fat tush” haha!
Yumm I love bread salad, this looks amazing! I’ve yet to try za’atar.
Ahhh fatoush!! We love fatoush and yes I too laugh like a little girl!! My hubby is Lebanese and so we eat food like that often, I hate to admit but his sisters version is better than mine… Love the blog!!!
Yum! My mouth is watering right now.