Fresh and Flavorsome Fattoush Salad Recipe
Looking for a delicious and healthy salad bursting with bright flavors? I’ve got just the recipe for you! Neil Perry’s Lebanese Fattoush Salad is a Middle Eastern classic that’s easy to make and uniquely delicious.
With ingredients like fresh coriander, mint, and cilantro, as well as juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and deliciously tangy pomegranate molasses, this salad showcases the best of bold Middle Eastern flavors.
To take it up a notch, we’ll be using fresh pita bread that’s been toasted to perfection. Combine all of these delicious ingredients in a salad bowl or on a platter, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a flavorful meal, this Lebanese Fattoush Salad is sure to hit the spot. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create some culinary magic using Neil Perry’s amazing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to brighten up your next meal? Look no further than Neil Perry’s Fattoush salad! This Lebanese recipe is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to try something new and delicious.
First off, the ingredient list is packed with fresh and healthy options that will leave your taste buds dancing. From flat leaf parsley to mint, cucumber to cherry tomatoes, this salad boasts some of the most flavorful vegetables around. And let’s not forget about that zesty dressing made of lemon, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil – it’s the perfect balance of tangy and rich.
But what really sets this Fattoush salad apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences by adding different types of veggies or even proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Plus, this dish works well as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can whip up this Lebanese salad in no time. And if you’re short on time, you can always make some substitutions or variations to make it work for you.
Overall, Neil Perry’s Fattoush salad is a flavorful and refreshing option that deserves to be shared with everyone. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it’s becoming a popular choice among foodies everywhere?
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this traditional Lebanese Fattoush Salad by the amazing Chef Neil Perry of Lebanese descent. This delicious salad is a must-try if you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. The salad gets its tangy flavor from lemon and pomegranate molasses, while fresh vegetables and herbs give it an irresistible crunch. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 piece of fresh pita bread
- 5 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 Spanish onion roughly chopped
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers diced
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
- A handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves
- A handful of mint leaves
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
For the dressing:
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried mint
- 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Note that these ingredients serve four people. You can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store, and if you can’t find pomegranate molasses, use lemon juice as a substitute.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how to put together this delicious Fattoush Salad recipe by Neil Perry.
Ingredients:
- 1 piece fresh pita bread
- 5 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 Spanish onion, roughly chopped
- 1 Lebanese cucumber, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves, roughly chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F).
- Begin with the pita bread. Brush it with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place it in the oven for around 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Take it out of the oven and allow to cool before breaking it into small bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, Lebanese cucumber, garlic clove and herbs in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Drizzle with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to taste.
- Add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses if desired.
- Toss in the crumbled pita chips and mix well.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Enjoy your Fattoush Salad!
Now that you have completed all the steps properly you can enjoy your Fattoush salad that highlights the fusion of Middle Eastern flavors that Neil Perry is so known for!
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Fattoush Salad! While this recipe is already packed with flavor and nutrition, there are some substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free option, replace the pita bread with gluten-free bread or croutons. You can also try using quinoa or millet as a base for added protein and fiber.
If you prefer a spicier salad, add some sliced jalapenos or chili flakes to the mix. You can also switch up the herbs by adding some oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
For those who are vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and you’ve got yourself a delicious plant-based salad.
Additionally, if you want to increase the veggie content of the salad, try adding in some diced green peppers, green onions, cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch.
Lastly, while this salad is traditionally Lebanese, feel free to experiment with other Middle Eastern ingredients such as tabouli (or tabbouleh) for an even more exotic dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some unique ingredients from botanica or other specialty stores for an unforgettable Fattoush Salad experience.
Serving and Pairing
A bowl of Fattoush Salad is a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. The salad is light and has a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It can be served as a side or as a main course, depending on the size of the serving.
I recommend pairing Fattoush Salad with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, or even with roasted vegetables. The freshness of the salad complements the earthy flavors of grilled meat and vegetables nicely. It’s also perfect when served alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or falafel for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast.
For wine pairing, I suggest selecting an un-oaked Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to balance out the acidic notes in the lemon dressing. For those who prefer beer, a light wheat beer like a Hefeweizen would be an excellent choice to cut through the bold flavors of garlic and onion present in the salad.
Fattoush Salad is best served chilled and should be consumed within a few hours of preparation for optimal freshness. The crunch of the pita chips will soften slightly over time, so I suggest serving fresh pita on the side for those who want to add extra crunch to their salad.
Overall this salad is versatile, healthy and delightful in every aspect. So try out this Lebanese recipe of Fattoush Salad by Neil Perry which is not only easy to prepare but also comes with endless serving options and wine pairings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Fattoush Salad is best enjoyed when it’s fresh and bright, but if you have leftovers, you can still enjoy it the next day. The key is to store the salad and pita separately. You can keep the chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Ensure that you have drained off any excess dressing before storing.
The best way to store the pita bread is at room temperature in a paper bag or plastic container with the lid slightly open to avoid moisture accumulation inside. This will help maintain its crispness and prevent it from getting soggy.
When ready to serve, take out the salad and pita bread from the refrigerator and allow them to come back to room temperature before combining them. To bring back some of that crunchiness in the bread, you can refresh it by heating it up in the oven for a few minutes until crispy.
One thing to remember is never dress your salad with a vinaigrette or dressing too far in advance as this will cause it to become soggy. This recipe depends on fresh ingredients, so don’t let it sit out for more than two hours unrefrigerated.
Making this Lebanese salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious than when you first made it. So go ahead and create small batches for meal prep or picnics with friends. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this tasty and healthy salad anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the secrets to a delicious Fattoush Salad is the combination of fresh ingredients and simple yet flavorful dressings. As an Israeli chef, I have learned a few tricks to make this salad taste even better. Here are some tips for achieving perfect results every time:
Firstly, make your own pita chips for best results. Use fresh pita bread and cut it into small pieces. Toast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil until they’re crispy golden brown. This is essential to give the salad extra crunch and texture.
Secondly, when it comes to seasoning the salad, use fresh ground black pepper and sea salt instead of pre-ground ones. The flavor difference is noticeable and will elevate your salad to a new level.
Next, don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs. Fattoush Salad traditionally calls for coriander, cilantro, flat-leaf parsley and mint. Make sure they’re fresh, well rinsed and finely chopped for maximum flavor.
Also, a good dressing can make all the difference in any salad. For this Lebanese recipe, use only high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangy yet subtly sweet taste. Add garlic cloves to give it an extra depth.
Lastly, timing is key when it comes to serving your Fattoush Salad. Mix all ingredients for about 10 minutes before topping with toasted bread so that bread stays crunchy as much as possible.
By following these tips, you can ensure that every bite of your Fattoush Salad will be a truly satisfying experience.
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to prepare a delicious Fattoush Salad, the next step is to answer any questions you may have. Below, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to this particular recipe. So, read on, and let me answer your questions so you can become an expert in preparing this Lebanese delicacy!
What is the component of Fattoush salad?
A typical restaurant version of fattoush salad usually comprises ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, lettuce or purslane leaves, radish, and green onions. Additional freshness comes from herbs such as parsley and mint. The salad’s unique, multi-layered flavor profile is achieved with a tangy vinaigrette and a generous dusting of sumac spice.
What is Lebanese salad made of?
Lebanese Salata, also known as Easy Lebanese Salad, is a delightful combination of chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cucumber, green onion, and parsley, all tossed with a refreshing lemony-mint dressing. This salad is a perfect complement to any meal, and with the addition of grilled chicken or salmon, it can make for a satisfying meal on its own. Furthermore, this salad is healthy and light, making it an excellent choice for those who want to eat clean and feel great.
What do you call the Lebanese salad made from tomato cucumber parsley mint and toasted bread?
Fattoush is a delicious Mediterranean salad that mainly consists of fried bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, green peppers, green onions, and parsley. The name “fattoush” originates from the Arabic word “fatteh” which means “crumbs.”
What is the benefits of Fattoush salad?
Eating a diet rich in vegetables and whole foods, such as the Fattoush salad, can offer numerous health benefits. These advantages include aiding in weight loss, decreasing insulin production, improving athletic abilities, and lowering the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Fattoush Salad recipe by Neil Perry is a true masterpiece that every food enthusiast should try. With its fresh, vibrant and zesty flavors, this Lebanese salad made with pita bread, mixed vegetables, herbs and spices is a perfect addition to any meal or occasion. Its simplicity and versatility make it an easy go-to option for quick lunches or parties.
By following the step-by-step instructions, tips and recommendations provided in this article, you can easily create a delicious Fattoush Salad that will impress both your taste buds and guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own.
In essence, the Fattoush Salad is more than just a salad, it is a representation of the Middle Eastern culture that has been passed down through generations. It is through cooking these traditional dishes that we can appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our cultures.
So grab your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and let’s get cooking! I guarantee you won’t regret trying this amazing Fattoush Salad recipe by Neil Perry.
Fattoush Salad by Neil Perry (Lebanese) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 piece fresh pita bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 Spanish onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 lebanese cucumber, roughly chopped
- sea salt, to taste
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 bunch mint, picked from stems
- 1/3 bunch flat leaf parsley, picked from stems
- 1/3 bunch fresh coriander or 1/3 bunch fresh cilantro, picked from stems
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil (3.5 oz.)
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a little olive oil in a pan and fry the pita bread until crispy.
- Tear the bread into a bowl and add the tear drop tomatoes, onion, sumac, cucumber, salt, pepper, mint, parsley and coriander.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound a pinch of salt together with the garlic and add lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and pepper.
- Add the dressing to the salad and serve straight away.