Mediterranean Pita Bread Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Pita Bread Salad, often known as Fattoush, is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, crispy pita bread, and a tangy dressing that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. My aunt’s recipe has been a family favorite for years, loved for its refreshing flavors and textures. The salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the dressing to soak into the pita while enhancing the flavors. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pita breads
3 large (Cut into eighths and split in half)
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons
Sugar
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Cucumber
1 large (Quartered lengthwise and sliced (about 2 cups))
Cherry tomatoes
1 pint (Halved)
Chickpeas
1 (19-ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Red onion
1 small (Sliced (about 1 cup))
Feta cheese
1 ounce (Crumbled (about 1/4 cup))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut each pita bread into eighths and split each piece in half for thinner crisps.
3
Arrange the pita wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, fresh oregano (or dried if using), minced garlic, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
5
In a large bowl, combine the quartered cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, and sliced red onion.
6
Gently fold in the toasted pita wedges to the vegetable mixture, ensuring that the pita is evenly distributed.
7
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pita to soften.
9
Before serving, give the salad a good toss, serve at room temperature, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese on top.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
29g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pita Bread Salad?
This salad, also known as Fattoush, is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, crispy pita bread, and a tangy dressing.
What is another name for this salad?
It is often referred to as Fattoush.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 225 calories per serving.
How do I prepare the pita bread?
Cut the pita into eighths, split them in half, and toast at 350°F for about 5 minutes until golden.
What is the total fat content?
The salad contains 10g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 5g of protein.
What are the primary vegetables used?
The main vegetables include cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How much carbohydrate is in each serving?
There are 29g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing contains olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano instead of 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped oregano.
What kind of cheese is used for topping?
The salad is topped with 1 ounce of crumbled feta cheese.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should the chickpeas be drained?
Yes, the 19-ounce can of chickpeas should be both drained and rinsed.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically uses balsamic vinegar.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be quartered lengthwise and sliced to make about 2 cups.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is the oven temperature for toasting pita?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead dish as the flavors meld and the pita softens in the dressing.
What happens to the pita after dressing is added?
The dressing soaks into the pita, enhancing the flavor and softening the bread.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients in this recipe.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
You need 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved.
What is the amount of red onion required?
Use 1 small red onion, sliced, which is about 1 cup.
Should the salad be served cold?
While it is refrigerated, it is best served at room temperature after the flavors have melded.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is lemon zest included in the recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of lemon zest are added to the dressing.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light standalone meal.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.