Turnip the Oven

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Strawberry Fattoush Salad

Ripe, juicy berries replace traditional tomatoes in this strawberry fattoush salad with crushed pita chips.

Strawberry Fattoush Salad

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. 

Strawberry Fattoush Salad

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.

Strawberry Fattoush Salad

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? 

Strawberry Fattoush Salad

Strawberry Fattoush Salad
Serves 4
If you don't have za'atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend made of sumac, sesame seeds, and herbs), you can leave it out or substitute a pinch of dried mint and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. If you can't find pomegranate molasses, you can make your own by simmering pomegranate juice and a little sugar until syrupy, or try substituting a little honey or maple syrup.
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For the dressing
  1. 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  2. 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  3. 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  4. 1 teaspoon za'atar (optional)
  5. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
  1. 1/2 small head romaine lettuce, chopped (3 cups)
  2. 1 small English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into chunks (2 cups)
  3. 2 cups chopped strawberries
  4. 4 scallions, chopped
  5. 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  6. 1 cup chopped fresh mint
  7. 2 cups lightly crushed pita chips
Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
Turnip the Oven https://turniptheoven.com/
Ripe, juicy berries replace tomatoes in this classic Middle Eastern salad loaded with crushed pita chips. Made with simple, seasonal ingredients, this vegan salad is perfect for weeknight dinners and backyard BBQs.

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Comments

  3. 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!

    • 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!

  9. 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!

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