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The Recipe · No.225 · Fattoush

Fattoush, and where to source it

Fattoush — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Fattoush Middle Eastern 5best2buy.com

Fattoush is a bright chopped salad, and its signature is crisp fried pita and tart sumac. Toast the pita until fully crisp and fold it in at the last second so it stays crunchy rather than going soggy. Sumac and lemon carry the dressing, so give both a heavy hand.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook10 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$
Vegan
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Pita bread
Torn and toasted crisp for the crunch that defines fattoush; day-old pita crisps best.
2 rounds
Source it →
Olive oil
Crisps the pita and builds the dressing; a good oil is the base of both.
1/3 cup
Source it →
Lemon
The acid of the dressing; fresh juice only, and plenty of it.
2, juiced
Source it →
Sumac
The tart, dark-red spice that makes fattoush taste like fattoush; sprinkle in the dressing and on top.
2 tbsp
Source it →
Romaine and cucumber
The crisp base of the salad; chop everything the same size.
1 head, 2 cucumbers
Local / market
Tomato
Ripe tomatoes for juice and sweetness; seed them so the salad stays crisp.
3
Local / market
Fresh mint and parsley
The herbs that lift the whole bowl; tear them in whole.
1/2 cup each
Local / market
Radish
Sliced thin for peppery crunch and color.
6
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Crisp the pitaTear the pita, toss with olive oil, and toast at 375F for 8 to 10 minutes until fully crisp; cool.
  2. Make the dressingWhisk lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, garlic, and salt into a tart dressing.
  3. ChopChop the romaine, cucumber, tomato, and radish the same size and pile in a wide bowl with the herbs.
  4. DressToss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving so they stay crisp.
  5. Add pita lastFold in the crisp pita at the last second and dust with more sumac so it does not go soggy.
The Toolkit

Large salad bowl · Sheet pan · Whisk · Chef knife · Salad tongs

Straight Answers
Can you make Fattoush in an air fryer? — Not needed

It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.

Can you freeze Fattoush? — Best fresh

Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.

Can you make Fattoush ahead of time? — Best fresh

Dress it just before serving — the greens wilt and brown once coated. Wash, cut, and chill the components ahead, then toss at the last minute.

Is Fattoush gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Fattoush vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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