Fabulous Fattoush ~ A Middle Eastern Salad with Vegetables and Toasted Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, use the hearts if desired
• ½ cup fresh radishes, very thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumbers, very thinly sliced (I used Persian cucumbers & White cucumbers)
• 1 cup summer tomatoes, use different colors, some sliced, some in wedges
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, tender leaves and stems
• ¼ cup fresh mint, small leaves
• ¼ cup red onion, or red scallion, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup grilled baby eggplant, sliced 1" pieces (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, (I used an Israeli type) crumbled or sliced
• 2 medium fresh pita breads, cut or torn into 1" pieces
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, (extra for the eggplant)
• 2 teaspoons Za'atar seasoning* (see note)
• 1 recipe Zesty Sumac & Lemon Dressing

Instructions

1. Salad Overview: Wash Lettuce. Clean and slice vegetables. Grill eggplant if using, cool Make Pita Croutons. Make Salad dressing.
2. Eggplant: Slice to medium, slender eggplants in half. Brush liberally with extra virgin olive oil, season with salt & pepper. Grill over medium heat until strong grill marks form. Turn over with tongs, turn heat down to low. Cook until the flesh is tender. remove to a plate. Toss in 1 teaspoon of Za'atar seasoning. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Cool. Cut into 1" pieces.
3. Pita Croutons: (Can use a rustic bread if preferred.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut pita into 1 1/2" pieces, add to a rimmed baking sheet to hold. Drizzle in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, run in well. Toss with 1 teaspoon Za'atar seasoning. Bake in oven about 5 minutes until the edges are golden, but not too crisp inside. Set aside.
4. Make the Zesty Lemon - Sumac Dressing (can be made a head of time.)
5. Final Salad: Wash and dry the lettuce. Trim ends, cut each in 1/4/s lengthwise, then slice a 1" wide. Place in a large bowl. Add radishes, cucumbers, parsley and mint. Top with eggplant, pita croutons and finally feta cheese. Drizzle dressing all around and mix in. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to distribute its flavor. Sprinkle with extra Sumac seasoning if desired. (Has a nice tart flavor and pretty color.) Serve and enjoy!
6. *Za’atar Seasoning is an intensely aromatic and ancient spice blend and condiment with eastern Mediterranean spices. Fabulous rubbed into poultry, mix with olive oil for a delicious spread – use with bread, dips, hummus, vegetables, meat, salad dressings and salad.Try my recipe, or purchase in a better grocery store.

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This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.