Crispy Pita Fattoush Salad with Fresh Herbs
This vibrant and refreshing Crispy Pita Fattoush Salad by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry is a delightful twist on the traditional Lebanese dish. Instead of relying on lettuce for base flavors, this version showcases a colorful medley of fresh herbs including mint, flat-leaf parsley, and cilantro, making it an herbaceous and aromatic sensation. The use of sumac lends a unique tartness reminiscent of lemon, enhancing the fresh vegetables – crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. Crispy, golden pita chips add delightful texture, making this salad both fulfilling and satisfying. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it's a celebration of freshness, ideal for warm weather dining or whenever you crave something fresh and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
105
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh pita bread
1 piece (fried until crispy and torn)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying the pita bread)
cherry tomatoes
5 pieces (sliced)
Spanish onion
1 piece (roughly chopped)
sumac
1 teaspoon (ground)
Lebanese cucumber
1 piece (roughly chopped)
sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
mint
3/4 bunch (picked from stems)
flat leaf parsley
1/3 bunch (picked from stems)
fresh coriander or cilantro
1/3 bunch (picked from stems)
garlic clove
1 piece (whole)
lemon
1 piece (juiced)
extra virgin olive oil
100 ml (3.5 oz) (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the pita bread to the skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before tearing it into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn pita, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, sumac, chopped cucumber, and a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
In a mortar and pestle, combine a pinch of salt with the whole garlic clove and pound until it forms a paste.
5
Add the lemon juice to the garlic paste followed by the extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dressing.
6
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, then gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
7
Finally, add the picked mint, parsley, and coriander, and give the salad a gentle toss once more. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the pita and the freshness of the herbs.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Pita Fattoush Salad with Fresh Herbs?
It is a vibrant Lebanese-style salad created by chef Neil Perry that uses a medley of fresh herbs and crispy pita instead of a lettuce base.
Who created this specific Fattoush recipe?
This version of the recipe was developed by the renowned Australian chef Neil Perry.
What are the primary herbs used in this salad?
The salad features fresh mint, flat-leaf parsley, and fresh coriander (also known as cilantro).
What ingredient gives the salad its signature tartness?
Sumac is used to provide a unique tart flavor reminiscent of lemon.
How is the pita bread prepared for the salad?
The pita bread is fried in olive oil until golden brown and crispy, then torn into bite-sized pieces.
Which vegetables are included in this Fattoush?
The recipe includes cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, and Lebanese cucumber.
How is the salad dressing made?
The dressing is a combination of garlic paste, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic for the dressing?
Pound a whole garlic clove with a pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the Crispy Pita Fattoush Salad is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 105 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The salad contains approximately 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this Fattoush salad?
The recipe contains approximately 8.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 2g of protein per serving.
What type of cucumber is recommended?
The recipe specifies using one Lebanese cucumber, roughly chopped.
What kind of onion should be used?
A Spanish onion is recommended for this dish.
How much olive oil is used for the dressing?
The dressing requires 100 ml (3.5 oz) of extra virgin olive oil.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
You will need 5 cherry tomatoes, sliced for the salad.
How should the mint be prepared?
Use 3/4 bunch of mint with the leaves picked from the stems.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 bunch of flat-leaf parsley.
What amount of coriander is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 bunch of fresh coriander or cilantro.
How long does it take to fry the pita bread?
It takes about 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.
Why are the herbs added at the very end?
The herbs are added last and tossed gently to maintain their aromatic freshness and vibrant color.
How much sumac is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground sumac.
What kind of salt is used for seasoning?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning the salad and making the garlic paste.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I store this salad for later?
It is best served immediately to enjoy the crispness of the pita and the freshness of the herbs.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
A mortar and pestle is recommended to pound the garlic into a paste for the dressing.
Is this salad intended as a main or side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a light meal or a nutritious side dish.
What type of oil is used for frying the pita?
Standard olive oil is used for frying the pita bread until crispy.