Few dishes capture the essence of the Mediterranean like fattoush, a vibrant salad of crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tangy dressing. Renowned for its refreshing flavor and vibrant colors, fattoush has earned a spot on dining tables around the world. A notable variation is Greek fattoush, which blends traditional flavors with Greek-inspired elements to create a satisfying balance of crunch, zest, and richness.
What is fattoush?
Fattoush is a Levantine salad rooted in Lebanese and Syrian cuisine. Traditionally, the dish is made with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and toasted or fried pieces of pita bread, the latter of which serve as the salad’s signature component. What makes fattoush special is its flexibility. Each region and household has its own version, often adapting ingredients based on what is available locally.
At its heart, fattoush is a celebration of simplicity. Vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces, tossed with a lemony dressing, and topped with crispy pita. The result is a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, offering a mix of textures and flavors with every bite.
Greek fattoush: a mediterranean twist
The Greek version of fattoush adds ingredients commonly found in Greek cuisine to the traditional recipe, such as feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and oregano. These additions give the salad savory and briny notes that complement the freshness of the vegetables and the tartness of the dressing.
Visitors to News Cafe can experience this flavorful combination with the restaurant’s Greek fattoush salad, which includes romaine lettuce, arugula, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, red radish, pomegranate, red onion, mint, parsley, feta cheese, pomegranate molasses, lemon oregano vinaigrette, and za’atar-dusted pita bread croutons. This dish brings together the best of two culinary traditions while remaining light, wholesome, and satisfying.
Key ingredients and their role
The irresistible quality of Greek fattoush lies in the way each ingredient contributes to the dish’s overall harmony:
- Romaine and arugula: A base of crisp romaine lettuce and peppery arugula adds structure and freshness.
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and onions: These vegetables add layers of sweetness, crunch, and sharpness.
- Kalamata olives and feta cheese: Their salty, tangy flavors balance the brightness of the greens.
- Parsley and mint: These fresh herbs infuse the salad with aroma and elevate its light, refreshing character.
- Pomegranate and molasses: A touch of sweetness and tartness makes each bite more dynamic.
- Za’atar pita croutons: Crispy bread seasoned with herbs adds texture and depth to the dish.
- Lemon oregano vinaigrette: This zesty dressing brings out the best in every component.
Step-by-step fattoush salad recipe
Dining out is always a treat, but you can also prepare Greek fattoush at home. Here’s how:
- Prepare the vegetables by chopping the romaine lettuce and arugula, slicing the cucumbers and radishes, halving the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing the red onions.
- Toast the pita bread by cutting it into small pieces, tossing it with olive oil and za’atar, and baking or pan-toasting it until golden and crunchy.
- Make the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of pomegranate molasses.
- Assemble the salad by combining the vegetables, herbs, and dressing in a large bowl and tossing gently to coat.
- Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pita croutons as a finishing touch before serving.
This simple process brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a salad that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Health benefits of Fattoush salad
Fattoush is not only delicious, but also a healthy choice packed with nutrients. Its colorful assortment of vegetables provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall wellness. Herbs like parsley and mint provide antioxidants, and pomegranate seeds are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil and olives provide heart-healthy fats, and fattoush’s light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing alternative to heavier, cream-based dressings.
Satisfying and versatile, Greek fattoush is a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh, characterful dish.
Fattoush salad tips and variations
One of the best things about fattoush is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas:
- Bread Alternatives: Swap pita bread for whole-grain or gluten-free options.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a hearty meal.
- Herb variations: Try dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Dressing adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of pomegranate molasses depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or more acidic flavor.
These variations allow you to personalize the salad while staying true to its essence.
Enjoy Greek fattoush at News Cafe
Those who prefer to enjoy this dish in a lively setting will find that News Cafe‘s Greek fattoush captures the flavors of the Mediterranean. Located on Miami’s iconic Ocean Drive, News Cafe is the perfect spot to savor this salad as a light lunch, shareable appetizer, or fresh complement to a larger meal. Its combination of textures, herbs, and tangy vinaigrette makes it a standout option for those craving something wholesome and flavorful. Reserve your table now.
A salad that travels across cultures
Fattoush is more than just a salad—it’s a dish that celebrates culture, history, and the beauty of fresh ingredients. The Greek version brings together two culinary traditions, uniting Levantine freshness with Greek flavors. Whether enjoyed at home or at News Cafe, Greek fattoush proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience of freshness, flavor, and Mediterranean tradition in one bowl.