This salad was lots of fun to make because it has so many healthy ingredients and loads of differing flavors and textures. Fattoush Salad is an Arabic dish made of toasted pieces of pita bread mixed with greens and vegetables with the addition of the spice sumac. This was a new one for me and wow – I’ve been missing out!
Ground sumac has a tangy lemony flavor, and is more balanced and less tart than lemon juice. The beautiful color adds for a lovely pop to this dish.
For my pita bread, I used za’atar and olive oil. This is another spice new to my kitchen and I will be using it often. Za’atar contains oregano, thyme, savory, and sumac. I was going to attempt to make it myself but I thought I should find out what it is supposed to taste like first or I may have concocted something that was totally off and gone through life thinking that’s what it tastes like! The flavor that it adds to the pita bread is so delicious and will make a great snack all by itself.
This seemed like the perfect dish to do with all my beautiful produce from Barrie Hill Farms. I was so lucky to get some wild leeks along with living baby arugula for this salad. Those yummy cherry tomatoes were SO tiny and I love that because you don’t even have to cut them, just pop them in your mouth.
I added halloumi cheese to this dish which is not the custom but I love it. If you prefer feta, that works as well. Can you believe I forgot to take some pics with the cheese on it? Anyway, that’s it below – so simply slice it up first and then crumble it on top of your salad if you’re using it. Halloumi does not have to be cooked first although it’s texture and taste make it an excellent choice for a quick grill.
Lemon juice, fresh mint and parsley play a prominent role in this recipe so don’t skip on these. I thought red cabbage and pomegranate arils would be a nice addition as well but the plate was getting very full!
We eat so many salads through the warmer months that it’s nice to switch it up and introduce some new flavors to our healthy ingredients. This was a great solution and I’ll be making it often. Cheers!
I’m sharing this recipe with these beautiful bloggers this week.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, some sliced in half if you prefer
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 small cucumber, sliced in ribbons
- 4 radishes, cleaned, trimmed and sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup leeks, cleaned, trimmed and sliced thinly
- 3/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- small handful of fresh mint and parsley, trimmed
- 2-3 whole pitas, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons za’atar
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 thin slices of Halloumi cheese
- DRESSING
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350. Mix za’atar with olive oil and drizzle over sesame seeds and pita bread.
- Bake in oven for 10 minutes. Remove.
- Heat 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in small sauté pan. On medium high heat add halloumi cheese for 2-3 minutes per side. Crumble and add to ingredients. If you prefer, just add without sautéing.
- Assemble the ingredients – tomatoes, arugula, cucumber, radishes, leeks, olives, red pepper, mint, parsley. Add pita pieces.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve.
45 Comments
Stephanie
June 4, 2015 at 9:01 amRobyn, your pictures took my breath away! I know I’ve said this before, but wow, you are getting good, girl 🙂 I have been craving salads lately so this recipe is perfect. I’m headed to the grocery store today or tomorrow so I think I will get the needed ingredients.
Thanks, sweet friend. Hugs to you!
Robyn
June 4, 2015 at 10:46 amAwwh, thanks, Stephanie, I’m really having fun learning more and more and it’s not such an intimidating experience any more, lol. I hope you enjoy the salad.
Your chicken looks so awesome, girl!
Robyn recently posted…Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad
mila furman
June 4, 2015 at 9:15 amThis looks really terrific! I love Middle Eastern food and this just seems so clean and refreshing for summer! NOMNOM
mila furman recently posted…Crock Pot Pulled Pork…One Pot and 4 Ingredients!
Robyn
June 4, 2015 at 10:47 amThanks, Mila, it was a real treat. And I’m still thinking about those amazing burgers of yours!!
cheri
June 4, 2015 at 10:01 amHi Robyn, love sumac and za’ tar, we use them together quite frequently on chicken. Great looking salad. Can’t believe this week is almost over.
cheri recently posted…Cottage Cooking Club Month of May
Robyn
June 4, 2015 at 10:48 amI bet they’re delicious on chicken, Cheri. I feel like a whole new world of flavor has been opened up to me and can’t wait to experiment. Time is flying, isn’t it!?
Anita Rivera
June 4, 2015 at 10:02 amGood morning my dear, dear friend! I never knew sumac had lemon flavor! These combinations sure sound great for a summer culinary adventure! I hope you are well! I am getting ready for a vacation in a few days and I CAN’T WAIT to try my photography there! Come to my blog if you get a chance and see my photos. I am back to blogging! LOVE, Anita
Robyn
June 4, 2015 at 10:49 amOh my goodness, Anita, I just visited your blog and your poetry and photos have left me speechless. I’m SO glad you’ve come back to blogging. We need you!
Have a wonderful vacation, my friend, and we’ll chat when you get back. Lots of love to you. xoxo
Mindy
June 4, 2015 at 11:29 amOh my, this looks good! I have some baby arugula in the garden that is getting closer in size to start picking along with fresh mint and parsley. With temps looking to be in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s here starting tomorrow, sounds like the perfect time to try the salad. I hope I can find all the ingredients locally.
Mindy recently posted…What I learned in May
Robyn
June 5, 2015 at 6:30 amHi Mindy. I’m certain you will love this salad and the ingredients should not be hard to find. The sumac and za’atar were in my local grocery store.
Our weekend is going to be similar and can’t wait to get out and enjoy it! Thanks so much for visiting 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad
Anita Rivera
June 5, 2015 at 4:54 amGOOD MORNING!!!!!!!!!! And I just came back from seeing your comment on my blog! Thank you great friend, thank you so much for your visit, your loyalty, our chats (gotta do it again when I return!) and again, for this GREAT recipe! I must try this because I can just imagine the crunch and great flavor explosion.
Well my dear, I am off in a few days. I am beyond excited. I wish you a creative and magical weekend. What are you creating this time? MAGIC? I bet.
HAPPY DAY! ANita
Marla
June 5, 2015 at 9:26 amHi Robyn,
This looks so tasty with all those fresh delicious vegetables and colors. It filled with a wealth of health and would make a wonderful for the summertime heat. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. PInned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #91 – Eat Real And Live Real
Robyn
June 6, 2015 at 7:24 amThanks so much, Marla. I’m making it today for a family gathering. Hope it goes over well 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
June 5, 2015 at 1:16 pmYour salad is gorgeous and I really love Fattoush…I should make it more often. We also love Za’atar bread…my daughter even convinced me to drive a couple towns away last week just to get her some bread…I really should just start making it myself. Middle Eastern food is always a big hit here. Pinning!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Winner Winner Chicken Dinner at #FoodieFriDIY no 49
Robyn
June 6, 2015 at 7:26 amI love incorporating international dishes into our lives, Michelle. There’s so much to learn and taste outside these North American walls, lol. Thanks for the share 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad
Christine
June 5, 2015 at 4:23 pmBeen seeing Za’atar all across the blogoshpere and am so happy to finally know what it is! This looks delicious. Visiting from FoodieFriDIY.
Christine recently posted…Old Redhead’s Watermelon Basil Rum Cocktail
Robyn
June 6, 2015 at 7:27 amThanks, Christine. I was blown away by the flavor – a definite must try! Thanks so much for your visit 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad
Susan
June 6, 2015 at 2:44 pmYou always get me out of my rut and give me something to add or change in the way I do things. Thanks And the photography is amazing.
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:35 amAnd you, Susan, always manage to leave a comment that totally makes my day. I truly appreciate your loyal readership and the time you take to leave your thoughts. Thank you!
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
Bam's Kitchen
June 6, 2015 at 9:10 pmI love sumac! I never thought to put that into a salad…what a great idea. I love the sparkle and fresh taste. My hubby, bless his heart brought home a little of spice during his travels and I have been wanting to use it more often. Thanks for the inspiration. Your photos are just gorgeous and I swear each post they are getting better, I don’t know how that is even possible..as they were amazing before… LOL Loving that you are working with Berrie Hill Farms as loving these fresh recipes that are coming from your kitchen. Sharing, yummed, pinned, smoke signals sent!
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Seared Steak Salad with Strawberry Cucumber Dressing
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:33 amThat hubby of yours is always bringing you special presents, lucky lady! Gosh, Bobbi – thanks so much for your compliments on the photography. Coming from you, that is high praise indeed. Working with the farms has definitely inspired me this Spring. Looking forward to the summer 🙂
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
LydiaF
June 7, 2015 at 11:45 amRobyn what a delightful set of flavors. Glad I came across your post. Everything looks delightful.
LydiaF recently posted…Fried Biscuits for National Donut Day
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:31 amThanks, Lydia. Let me know if you try it. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
June 8, 2015 at 12:03 amYUM’d! This looks delicious. A definite must try! Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We’d love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/06/04/home-matters-linky-party-40/ 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #40
Gourmet Getaways
June 8, 2015 at 9:22 amLove the colours of this salad – very refreshing. Great photos, too, Robyn!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:30 amThanks so much, Ladies. Always love when you visit!
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
Linda
June 8, 2015 at 11:43 amLovely salad and new to me. I bet you had fun making this with your Man….LOL Love the fresh vibrant colors and it’s unique spices. The pictures look great! Lots of love from W.W. xoxo
Linda recently posted…Nutter Butter Flip Flops
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:29 amLOL, we did! I think I solved the pic issue. I really appreciate you spending so much time with me on it the other night. Off to see your party pics! Love to you, WW!
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
GiGi Eats
June 9, 2015 at 1:29 amleeks?! tomatoes!?! olives!! You’re teasing me over here! 😉
GiGi Eats recently posted…Will Quaker Oats Conceal or Reveal GMOs? #ConcealOrReveal
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:27 amLOL, the wild leeks were so awesome, Gigi!
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
Amanda Mendell
June 10, 2015 at 10:39 pmCan I just tell you how amazing this looks!! I need to try it, I am missing Persian food and I have all of these spices in the cabinet and they have been neglected:( thanks for great inspiration to play with them again!
Robyn
June 11, 2015 at 4:26 amThanks so much, Amanda! I truly loved this salad, especially the za’atar pita bread. Appreciate the visit 🙂
Robyn recently posted…5 Ingredient Pork Noodle Bowl
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl
June 11, 2015 at 10:33 amYou and I were on the ‘Halloumi Wavelength’ – haha! This salad looks absolutely delicious!! So many wonderful flavors and textures.
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl recently posted…Halloumi Tacos with Fava Guacamole & Honey Roasted Tomatoes
Robyn
June 16, 2015 at 11:17 amSeems so, Marissa! I’m totally crushing on your Tacos! Halloumi rocks!
Robyn recently posted…Garden Vegetable Soup with Wild Leeks
#FoodieFriDIY - Exciting Features - The Seaman Mom
June 11, 2015 at 8:02 pm[…] Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad – Simply fresh dinners […]
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
June 16, 2015 at 4:55 amYum– your blog has been so full of beautiful produce lately! Alex has been asking me to make him halloumi salads lately. I’ve never really eaten it before– I can only buy 1 brand of halloumi in KL, and it’s about $10 for 2 servings, so he will get it very infrequently 🙂 Maybe I shouldn’t make him this salad– I don’t want him to love it and ask me to make it all the time!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Strawberry Kiwi Shortcakes, Gluten-Free
Robyn
June 16, 2015 at 6:55 amThe first time you make it, I would suggest grilling it. It’s a wee bit rubbery when it’s raw and quite salty so don’t add a lot of salt to the salad. Hmmm…I should have mentioned that in the recipe, I think. Will fix that! I’m hooked on it and The Man loves it!
Miz Helen
June 17, 2015 at 10:20 amLove,love this wonderful fresh salad Robyn! Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe with us at Full Plate Thursday, hope to see you again real soon!
Have a great day,
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Italian Summer Salad
Robyn
June 18, 2015 at 5:58 amThanks so much Miz Helen! See you Thursday 🙂
#FoodieFriDIY - Double the pleasure! Double the fun! - A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
June 18, 2015 at 8:01 pm[…] Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad from Simply Fresh Dinners […]
Jebbica
June 21, 2015 at 9:31 amWow! That is an amazing-looking and colorful salad! Thanks for sharing on Food & Fitness Friday!
Jebbica recently posted…Food & Fitness Friday: 06-19-2015
Christie
June 26, 2015 at 7:44 pmI could easily dig into this salad. The colors look super bright and tasty. Perfect for summer.
Green Bean, Tomato and Basil Salad - simply fresh dinners
October 8, 2015 at 8:22 am[…] it comes to salads, I can go wild with loads of ingredients and flavours like this Halloumi and Za’atar Fattoush Salad and those are lots of fun to assemble but then I go completely the other way and pare it down to […]
Za'atar and Goat Cheese Tartines - simply fresh dinnerssimply fresh dinners
October 22, 2015 at 7:37 am[…] and on to these tasty, quick and easy gems. Ever since I tried Za’atar in this salad, I’ve wanted to taste it again because I love it’s citrusy, nutty flavor. It […]
Pickled Leeks - Simply Fresh Dinnerssimply fresh dinners
May 11, 2016 at 1:28 pm[…] in the forests and disappear quickly because they’re so popular. Last year I made a Halloumi & Za’atar Fattoush Salad that was a hit on the blog. Love that za’atar! Wild leeks look more like scallions as […]