Ripe, juicy berries replace traditional tomatoes in this strawberry fattoush salad with crushed pita chips.
If you have ever spent any time with me, you know that I am extremely vain about my hair. I don’t like to shop, all my makeup comes from CVS, and the last time I bought an expensive handbag was literally 10 years ago (wait, does that make it vintage?). But my hair is my weakness. I splurge on salon color and highlights, and I get touch ups every three weeks exactly.
You would think, given how often I go to the salon, I would remember to bring cash to tip my stylist. But I don’t—ever. And so I am constantly running to the grocery store across the street and making some random purchase to meet the $5 threshold for cash back.
Last Friday, I bought a pack of gum, a diet Sprite, and a bag of pita chips.
Which brings us here: to this juicy, crunchy, insanely delicious strawberry fattoush salad. Because really, every salad is better when you trash it up a bit with handfuls of crushed chips.
Also if you have ever spent any time with me, you probably know that I am an Ina Garten superfan. I love her concept of “turning up the volume” on traditional dishes by adding something a little bit unexpected. One of my personal favorite (and often repeated) ways to do this is to swap strawberries, watermelon, or red grapes in for tomatoes in otherwise classic recipes. (Psst! This watermelon tabbouleh and this tomato watermelon gazpacho are two of my favorite recipes on the blog!)
Fattoush is a traditional Middle Eastern salad made from toasted pita, chopped lettuce and herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I substituted strawberries, and the results are juicy, sweet, and so, so perfect for spring.
I don’t think I’ve ever made a salad that Alex has enjoyed so much! The first time I tested this recipe, he went back for thirds. Um, that’s probably because it’s a salad with chips in it, but…details.
People always talk about finding inspiration in seasonal ingredients (like strawberries), but I also get excited to experiment with the odds and ends we having lying around the house. Who knew a bag of pita chips I only bought so I could get cash back would turn into my new favorite salad?
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon za'atar (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 small head romaine lettuce, chopped (3 cups)
- 1 small English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into chunks (2 cups)
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 cups lightly crushed pita chips
- To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, za'atar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid (like an old jam jar). Seal the jar and shake until well blended.
- To make the salad, combine the lettuce, cucumber, strawberries, scallions, parsley, and mint in a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over and toss to coat. Add the pita chips and toss again. Taste and add more dressing as needed.
Kristen Chidsey says
What a tasty twist on a this salad. I think I would prefer this over the original!
Lucy Baker says
Thanks Kristen! I prefer it too!
Valentina | The Baking Fairy says
This looks like such a fantastic, fresh spring salad! I love strawberries and pitas and cucumbers so, I can’t find a single thing I don’t love about it. Pinning for later!!
Lucy Baker says
Thanks Valentina! I hope you enjoy it. We’ve been eating it nonstop over here 🙂
Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder says
3 weeks is so often – that’s dedication! I’m super lazy – I can’t even be bothered to go every 6 months for a trim at a cheapo Great Clips so I actually cut my own hair using a hand mirror and my bathroom mirror and some sharp scissors haha
The za’atar is intriguing – I’ll try look for it!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says
Love that you added in the pita chips for a little crunch! This looks like a great lunch idea!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
Oh my, I love this recipe. I am a salad lover and this sounds perfect!
Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says
We get the best fresh berries at our local farmer’s market and I cannot wait to try them in this salad!
Lucy Baker says
I hope you love it! I had to use supermarket strawberries, but I can’t wait to make this again with local berries a bit later in the season!
Beth Neels says
Looks amazing! Beautiful photography!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
This looks so good! I love pita chips anyway, but this is just calling my name! Perfect for spring and summer!
Christine says
I am gearing up for summer with lots of salads planned and this looks awesome!! I have got to try that dressing!! Looking forward to trying pomegranate molasses!
Suzanne Spiegoski says
Ooooooh, strawberries with fattoush?! Count me in. What a delight! I’m definitely going to be trying this, asap! 🙂 thanks for sharing!
xo,
Suz
http://www.suzannespiegoski.com