Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad known for its fresh vegetables and crispy toasted pita bread. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side.

Ingredients

• 2 pita breads
• Assorted fresh vegetables (such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions)
• Lemon dressing (fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and sumac if available)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pita breads until crisp, then break them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Toss the fresh vegetables with the lemon dressing in a large bowl, then add the toasted pita pieces and mix well to combine.

Tips & Variations

• Use stale pita for toasting, as it crisps up better and adds great texture.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle sumac over the salad for a tangy, slightly lemony taste.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To keep the pita pieces crisp, store them separately and add just before serving. Reheat pita briefly in the oven if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of pita?

Yes, you can substitute pita with other flatbreads or even crispy croutons to retain the crunchy texture.

What can I use if I don’t have sumac for the dressing?

Lemon juice and a pinch of salt are key; if sumac isn’t available, a little extra lemon zest or a splash of vinegar can add brightness.

Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 53 reviews

Fattoush is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad featuring crisp vegetables mixed with toasted pita bread pieces and a tangy lemon dressing. This easy-to-make salad offers a delightful combination of textures and bright flavors, making it a perfect starter or side dish for any meal.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped radishes
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Pita Bread

• 2 pita breads, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting pita)

Lemon Dressing

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the pita bread: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Toss the pita pieces with olive oil, then toast them in the skillet until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, green onions, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
4. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Add the toasted pita pieces on top and give a gentle final toss just before serving to keep the pita crispy.

Notes

• For extra crunch, you can bake the pita pieces in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of toasting in a skillet.
• Sumac lends a characteristic tart flavor, but if unavailable, a splash of extra lemon juice can substitute.
• The salad is best enjoyed immediately after adding the pita to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Feel free to vary the vegetables based on seasonality and preference.

Keywords: Fattoush, Middle Eastern salad, pita bread salad, lemon dressing, fresh vegetable salad