Fattoush Salad with Bulgur

This Fattoush Salad with Bulgur is a fantastic combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing. The bulgur adds a satisfying chewiness and a nutty flavor to the salad. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course for vegetarians and vegans.

• salad  
• mediterranean  
• popular  
• simple  
• quick  
• vegetarian  
• vegan  
• easy  
• bulgur  

Today, I'm excited to share with you a refreshing and vibrant recipe for Fattoush Salad with Bulgur. This Middle Eastern salad is bursting with flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to your summer menu.

When it comes to a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, Fattoush Salad with Bulgur takes center stage. This delightful salad, hailing from the heart of the Levant, is a harmony of fresh, crisp ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a touch of nutty bulgur. With its explosion of flavors and textures, it's a true crowd-pleaser. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create this colorful and healthful salad that's perfect for any occasion.

Fattoush Salad: The Story Behind Its Unique Name

The name "Fattoush" for the salad originates from the Arabic language, specifically from the word "فتوش" (pronounced as "fah-toosh" in English). The term "Fattoush" is commonly used in Lebanon, Syria, and other Levantine countries.

The exact etymology of the word is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have derived from the Arabic verb "fattash," which means "to crumble" or "to tear into small pieces." This is a reference to the key element that distinguishes Fattoush from other salads: the use of toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. These pieces of bread are torn into small, crispy bits and added to the salad, giving it a unique and delightful crunch.

Fattoush salad is known for its vibrant and fresh ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. The pita chips provide a textural contrast and are what truly make it a Fattoush. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is what has made it a beloved part of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for generations.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Fresh Vegetables:

  • Use ripe, vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh bell peppers.
  • Slice red onions thinly for a mild, sweet crunch.
  • Radishes should be sliced thinly for a peppery kick.
  • Freshness is key, so make sure your veggies are in their prime.

• Fresh Herbs:

  • Opt for fresh parsley and mint for the characteristic Mediterranean aroma.
  • Chop the herbs finely to distribute their flavor evenly in the salad.

• Pita Bread:

  • Use whole wheat pita bread for a nutty, wholesome flavor.
  • Toast or fry the pita until golden and crispy. Break into bite-sized pieces right before adding to the salad.

• Olive Oil and Lemon Juice:

  • Extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are key components of the dressing. Whisk them together thoroughly to create a well-emulsified dressing.

Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this salad. You can incorporate other vegetables like olives, or even add some crumbled feta cheese for a savory kick. The options are endless!

Fattoush Salad with Bulgur is a dish that brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to your table. It's the perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and flavor. Whether you're savoring it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a wholesome dinner option, this salad is bound to impress. So, bring a taste of the Levant into your kitchen and let the flavors of this vibrant salad transport you to sun-kissed shores and the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this flavorful Fattoush Salad with Bulgur. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and food inspiration on my blog.

Fattoush Salad with Bulgur

3.2 from 15 Votes

Course:  salad

Cusine:  mediterranean

Difficulty:  simple , quick , easy

Diet:  vegetarian , vegan

Servings:  2

Calories:  369 kcal

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 60 mins

• Prep Time

  20 mins

• Cook Time

  40 mins

• Total Time

  60 mins

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup bulgur

• small lettuce

• tomatoes

• cucumber

• red onion

• flatbread (or pita bread)

• handful of parsley

• radishes

• lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey (or ageve syrup)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp mustard

Instructions

• 1

  In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the bulgur. Cover and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's tender and has absorbed the water. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.



• 2

  Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and lettuce. Cut the onion into slices. Finely chop the parsley.



• 3

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, lettuce, onions and parsley. Toss everything together to mix well.



• 4

  Make the vinaigrette. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and mustard in a jar. Shake it until completely mixed.



• 5

  Add the cooled bulgur to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until the dressing is evenly distributed and all the ingredients are coated.



• 6

  Allow the salad to sit for about 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This will also give the bulgur a chance to absorb some of the dressing.



• 7

  Make the Pita Chips. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the flatbread (or pita bread) into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chips are golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.



• 8

  Serve the Fattoush Salad with Bulgur with toasted flatbread (or pita bread) on the side. The crispy texture of the bread adds a delightful crunch to the salad.

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients:

  • The quality of your vegetables and herbs is paramount. Make sure they are at their freshest for the best taste and texture.

• Crispy Pita is Key:

  • Ensure the pita chips are truly crispy. You can prepare them in advance, but add them to the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.

• Balancing Act:

  • Achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. Taste the salad as you add the dressing, adjusting the oil, lemon juice, and seasonings to your liking.

• Chill the Salad:

  • Fattoush is best served chilled. Allow the salad to cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

• Serve Promptly:

  • Once dressed, Fattoush should be served immediately to maintain the crunch of the pita chips and the freshness of the vegetables.

• Save the Pita:

  • If you're making Fattoush for a larger group, serve the pita chips on the side. This keeps them crisp and lets guests add them to their salads individually.

Notes

Customization:

Feel free to personalize your Fattoush with additional ingredients like olives, feta cheese, or grilled chicken for added flavor and protein.

Refrigeration:

Fattoush salad should be stored in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from seeping in and making the pita chips soggy.

Separate the Pita:

If you've added the pita chips to the salad, consider storing them separately. Place the pita chips in a sealed plastic bag or container to keep them crispy. You can then add them to the salad just before serving.

Dress Carefully:

If you've already dressed the salad, be aware that the pita chips will lose their crispness over time. To maintain some of the crunch, consider storing the salad undressed and adding the dressing just before serving.

Eat Within a Day:

Fattoush salad is at its best when served fresh. It's ideal to consume it within a day of preparation to enjoy its full flavor and texture. The longer it sits, the softer the pita chips will become.

Total Calories:

Total Calories for the Entire Recipe: 425 (salad) + 312 (vinaigrette) = Approximately 737 calories.

Please note that these are rough estimates, and the actual calorie content can vary depending on factors like portion size, specific ingredients, and preparation methods.