Best 2 Middle Eastern Pita Salad Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the Middle East as we explore the enticing world of pita salads. Originating from the vibrant lands of the Levant, these delectable dishes showcase a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy dressings, all nestled within the warm embrace of toasted pita bread. From the classic fattoush, with its vibrant mix of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-sumac dressing, to the hearty and comforting foul medames, featuring tender fava beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, pita salads offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Join us as we embark on a culinary expedition, discovering the secrets behind these Middle Eastern delights and unlocking the art of creating these sensational salads in your own kitchen.

**Recipes featured in this article:**

* **Classic Fattoush:** Experience the authentic flavors of this beloved Levantine salad, where crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers unite with fragrant herbs, toasted pita croutons, and a refreshing lemon-sumac dressing.

* **Foul Medames:** Embark on a culinary journey to Egypt with this hearty and comforting dish. Tender fava beans are slow-simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, infused with aromatic cumin, coriander, and garlic, and served atop toasted pita bread, ready to be devoured.

* **Lebanese Tabbouleh:** Discover the vibrant flavors of Lebanon with this refreshing and herbaceous salad. Finely chopped parsley, mint, and bulgur wheat are tossed together with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

* **Israeli Chopped Salad:** Indulge in the vibrant and colorful flavors of Israel with this delightful salad. Freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and parsley are combined with crisp red onions, tangy sumac, and a drizzle of olive oil, resulting in a refreshing and invigorating dish.

* **Yemenite Pita Salad:** Embark on a culinary exploration of Yemen with this unique and flavorful salad. Toasted pita bread is topped with a medley of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs, all tossed in a tangy tahini dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MIDDLE EASTERN PITA SALAD (FATTOUSH SALAD) RECIPE BY TASTY



Middle Eastern Pita Salad (Fattoush Salad) Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: small pita rounds, olive oil, salt, romaine lettuce, medium cucumber, cherry tomato, scallions, radish, red bell pepper, fresh parsley, fresh mint, lemons, white wine vinegar, garlic, ground sumac, allspice, pepper

Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec

Categories     Sides

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 small pita rounds
½ cup olive oil, plus 2 tbs
salt, to taste
2 medium hearts romaine lettuce
1 medium cucumber
2 cups cherry tomato
5 scallions
½ cup radish, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 cups fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 ½ lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground sumac, or lemon zest
¼ teaspoon allspice
pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Slice the pitas in half to make 4 thin rounds. Place the pitas on a nonstick sheet pan. Brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt.
  • Bake for about 5 minutes, until the outside is golden brown. Let cool until they become crispy.
  • Make 3 cuts lengthwise on each of the romaine hearts, remove the stems, and chop into smaller pieces. Rinse, drain, and add to a large salad bowl.
  • Seed the cucumber, dice it, and add it to the salad bowl.
  • Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl.
  • Mince the scallions and add them to the salad bowl.
  • Add the radishes, bell pepper, parsley, and mint to the salad bowl and toss to combine.
  • In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup (120 ml) of oil, the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, sumac, allspice, salt, and pepper and whisk until well-combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Break the crispy pitas into small pieces and add to the salad. Toss well.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, Sugar 6 grams

MIDDLE-EASTERN PITA SALAD



Middle-Eastern Pita Salad image

Categories     Bread     Salad     Tomato     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Mint     Cucumber     Bell Pepper     Summer     Healthy     Vegan     Gourmet

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1-1/2 large (7-inch) pita loaves (preferably Mediterranean-style pocketless), cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 tomato, chopped fine
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves or 2 teaspoons dried, crumbled, plus fresh mint sprigs for garnish
inner leaves of romaine, rinsed and spun dry for garnish

Steps:

  • In a sieve sprinkle the cucumber with a pinch of salt, let it drain for 20 minutes, and pat it dry. While the cucumber is draining, in a baking pan bake the pita pieces in the middle of a preheated 325°F oven, shaking the pan occasionally, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp, and let them cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the oil, the lemon juice, the garlic, and the salt and pepper to taste, whisking until the dressing is emulsified, stir in the bell pepper, the tomato, the scallion, the parsley, the chopped mint, the pita pieces, the cucumber, and more salt and pepper to taste, and toss the salad to combine it well. Transfer the salad to a platter and garnish it with the romaine and the mint sprigs.

### Tips for Making the Middle Eastern Pita Salad - Use ripe, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. - If you don't have pita bread, you can use another type of flatbread, such as naan or lavash. - To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the vegetables and dressing and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, assemble the salad and add the dressing. - Serve the salad with grilled meat, chicken, or fish for a complete meal. ### Conclusion The Middle Eastern pita salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it as a side dish or main course, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Middle East.

Tips for Making the Middle Eastern Pita Salad:

  • Use ripe, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have pita bread, you can use another type of flatbread, such as naan or lavash.
  • To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the vegetables and dressing and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, assemble the salad and add the dressing.
  • Serve the salad with grilled meat, chicken, or fish for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

The Middle Eastern pita salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it as a side dish or main course, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Middle East.

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