Pomegranate and Pita Fattoush Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this refreshing Pomegranate and Pita Fattoush Salad. This colorful salad marries the juiciness of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with the aromatic bite of fresh mint and the crunch of toasted pita bread. The addition of pomegranate seeds adds a delightful tartness that perfectly complements the zesty lemon dressing, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled kebabs or savory stews. Perfect for any gathering or as a light main dish, this salad is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients for a healthy meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
3 medium (chopped)
Cucumbers
2 small (chopped)
Green Onions
3 (sliced)
Hot Pepper
1-2 (sliced)
Mint Leaf
1/2 cup (chopped)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (none)
Lemon
1 (juiced and finely chopped peel)
Pita Bread
2 (toasted)
Garlic Clove
1 (split)
Pomegranate
1 (seeds removed)
Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced green onions, sliced hot pepper, and chopped mint. Gently mix to combine the fresh flavors.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, finely chopped lemon peel, and olive oil. Pour this dressing over the salad and season with salt (and pepper if desired). Toss well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
3
Take the toasted pita bread and split it open, then rub the rough sides with the split garlic clove for added flavor. Tear the pita into small bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad.
4
Carefully remove the seeds from the pomegranate, taking care not to splash any juice. Add the pomegranate seeds to the salad and discard the peel and pith.
5
Toss the salad gently one last time, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pomegranate and Pita Fattoush Salad?
It is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh mint, toasted pita bread, and tart pomegranate seeds in a zesty lemon dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The key ingredients are tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, hot peppers, mint leaves, olive oil, lemon, pita bread, garlic, pomegranate, and salt.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and the finely chopped lemon peel.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this Pomegranate and Pita Fattoush Salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
How should I prepare the pita bread?
Toast 2 pieces of pita bread, split them open, rub the rough sides with a split garlic clove, and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free pita bread alternative.
What is the role of the pomegranate in this dish?
The pomegranate seeds add a delightful tartness and a refreshing crunch that complements the savory and zesty flavors.
How do I prepare the lemon for this recipe?
You should use both the juice of the lemon and the finely chopped peel for the dressing.
Is the Pomegranate and Pita Fattoush Salad spicy?
The salad has a mild kick as it includes 1 to 2 sliced hot peppers.
What herbs are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves.
How do I add garlic flavor to the salad?
A split garlic clove is rubbed directly onto the rough sides of the toasted pita bread.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 small cucumbers, chopped.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While you can chop the vegetables ahead of time, it is best to toss and serve immediately to keep the pita bread from getting soggy.
What kind of tomatoes are best?
The recipe uses 3 medium chopped tomatoes; ripe, juicy varieties work best for flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Grains due to the inclusion of pita bread.
How do I handle the pomegranate?
Carefully remove the seeds, ensuring you discard the peel and the white pith, and avoid splashing juice.
What side dishes pair well with this salad?
It is an ideal accompaniment to grilled kebabs or savory stews.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 3 sliced green onions.
Should I use fresh or dried mint?
Fresh chopped mint is used to provide the aromatic bite essential to the salad's profile.
Is there a specific way to toss the salad?
Toss the salad gently after adding the dressing and then once more after adding the pita and pomegranate seeds.
How much salt should I add?
Add salt to taste, according to your preference.
What makes this a 'healthy' meal?
It is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad is a mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy toasted pita bread.
Do I need to peel the lemon?
The recipe requires the peel to be finely chopped and included in the dressing for extra zest.
How do I avoid a messy pomegranate?
The instructions suggest removing the seeds carefully to prevent the juice from splashing.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The salad is zesty, tart, aromatic, and fresh.
Can I substitute the hot pepper?
Yes, if you prefer no heat, you can omit the hot pepper or substitute it with bell pepper.
How do I ensure optimal freshness?
Serve the salad immediately after the final toss so the ingredients maintain their individual textures.