This refreshing fattoush salad is packed with veggies and herbs and is topped with a tangy sumac dressing and crispy low-carb pita chips.
This refreshing fattoush salad, adapted from Samira Kazan in Lebanese Cuisine, is made with chopped romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, parsley, and mint. The array of fresh veggies add so much flavor and texture to the salad, which is deliciously crunchy, tangy and fresh.
Be sure not to skip the parsley and mint since they truly enhance the flavor of the salad. We've made the salad with and without the herbs and the salad is much tastier with the herbs (and weren't sure we'd even like them)!
Fattoush is typically topped with crispy, toasted bits of pita. Since this is a low-carb salad, we use Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Mini Pitas, which don't skip a beat since they're just as tasty as regular pitas. We also love to top with a few tablespoons of pomegranate seeds, which is optional, but definitely worth it.
The salad is finished with a bright and tangy sumac dressing, which takes just a few minutes to make. It's a simple yet delicious salad for spring, summer or any time of the year.
What is Fattoush Salad?
Fattoush salad is a popular salad in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon and Syria. Fattoush is typically made with lettuce greens and a variety of veggies and herbs like tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, parsley and mint. It also include Arabic flat bread or pita bread, which is toasted and cut into bite size pieces. Sumac spice is typically sprinkled on top of the salad and/or included in a tangy and bright vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients
Low-carb pita bread: We highly recommend Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat MINI Pitas. Each mini pita is 5 net carbs and makes enough for a salad for four people. You can find Joseph's pitas at many grocers or on Amazon.
Romaine lettuce: Be sure to buy fresh romaine lettuce that you can cut into thin strips. Bagged romaine lettuce that's already chopped just isn't the same. You can also swap romaine with mixed greens, butter lettuce or another lettuce of choice.
English cucumber: We prefer English cucumber, which we quarter for the salad. However, you can use Persian or garden cucumbers if preferred.
Grape tomatoes: We love using grape tomatoes, which we halve or quarter depending on the size. Fresh garden tomatoes are great too.
Fresh herbs - parsley and mint: Don't forget to add these herbs, which are typically included in fattoush salad! Even if you think you may not like these herbs, you'll likely appreciate them in the salad.
Red onion: We prefer red onion, but another popular option is green onions. Either work great in the salad. For green onions, simply chop two green onions.
Sumac dressing: This is a simple and tart dressing that includes extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sumac. Click here for recipe.
Radishes (optional): Radishes add to the crunch and flavor of the salad. If you don't have or don't like, you can skip. Another option is red bell pepper.
How to Make
STEP 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut pita into 8 wedges. Unfold each wedge and use a kitchen shear or knife to cut in half at folding point. Place pita chips on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden. If desired, you can lightly spray with oil and season with salt before going into oven. Check on them often as they can quickly burn. Remove and break into bite-size pieces.
STEP 2: Chop the lettuce, veggies and herbs as indicated. Toss together in a large salad bowl.
STEP 3: Make sumac dressing by combining the ingredients in a small bowl and mixing thoroughly. Click here for directions.
STEP 4: Toss the dressing with the prepared salad. Top salad with crispy pita bits and a few tablespoons of pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
Recipe FAQ
It depends on the dressing as that is the unknown component that can add carbs. Some dressings may include pomegranate molasses or sweeteners that can increase the carbs. This fattoush salad with dressing is roughly 5 net carbs per serving.
Typically, yes, but you should always check what's included in the dressing as some of the ingredients may increase the carbs.
If sumac dressing is simply made with oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar and seasonings, then yes, it will be low in carbs. It may not be keto-friendly if it includes sweeteners or pomegranate molasses.
It's typically lower in calories and this fattoush salad is roughly 150 calories per serving.
Related Recipes
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Recipe
Fattoush Salad (Low Carb, Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 Joseph's Mini Pita or other low carb pita bread
- 1 to 2 romaine lettuce heads (10 ounces ), chopped in thin slices
- 1 cup (150 grams) grape tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- ½ of (150 grams) an English cucumber chopped
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, chopped
- ½ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (10 grams) fresh mint, chopped
- 4 to 6 servings sumac dressing (click)
- 3 (50 grams) radishes. cut into think slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pita: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut pita into 8 wedges. Unfold each wedge and use a kitchen shear or knife to cut in half at folding point. Place pita chips on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden. If desired, you can lightly spray with oil and season with salt before going into oven. Check on them often as they can quickly burn. Remove and break into bite-size pieces.
- Chop: Chop lettuce, veggies and herbs as indicated. Toss together in a large salad bowl.
- Dress: Make sumac dressing by following these directions.
- Finish: Toss the dressing with the prepared salad. Top salad with crispy pita bits and a few tablespoons of pomegranate seeds (optional). Serve immediately.
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