Get Off Your Fattoush

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by Hannah (BitterSweet)
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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!

Yield: Serves 3 – 4 as a Main, 7 – 8 as a Side Dish

Fattoush Salad

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.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 7gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g
© Hannah Kaminsky
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Category: Salads and Sides
 

 

 

33 thoughts on “Get Off Your Fattoush”

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  7. 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!

  9. 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!

  13. 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!

  14. 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!

  28. 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!

  32. 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!!!

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