KETO LEBANESE FATTOUSH SALAD

This keto Lebanese Fattoush salad is full of vibrant colors and flavor with a crunch in every mouthful. A zesty dressing adds a refreshing and bright flavor that complements the vegetables and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Fattoush salad is versatile and can be customized to suit personal preferences. It can be served as a side dish, a light meal on its own, or paired with various proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it adaptable to different dining occasions.

I absolutely adore Lebanese food and used to enjoy it at least weekly when working in Dubai. Every dish was fresh and full of flavor, and this salad featured regularly. The very best we have ever had to date was in Beirut. A wonderful place to visit!

WHAT IS FATTOUSH SALAD?

Fattoush salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad that originates from Lebanon. Common ingredients include lettuce, cucumber, tomato, radish, and bell peppers, which contribute to the salad’s appealing visual appeal.

One distinguishing element of fattoush salad is the addition of toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. These bread pieces, known as “fatteh,” add a delightful crispy texture to the salad. However, in the keto version of the recipe, we will substitute the traditional pita bread with a low-carb and gluten-free alternative.

INGREDIENTS

The key to any salad, and particularly this one is fresh ingredients. You can play around with the ingredients as variations of this salad in Lebanon will change from village to village.

• Lettuce – Romaine lettuce are the main greens in the salad. We add some other baby salad leaves mix which can be omitted. Purslane can be found in some recipes.
• Tomatoes – Large chopped beefsteak tomatoes are commonly used but we used cherry tomatoes for their sweetness.
• Cucumber – English or Persian cucumbers are preferable.
• Radishes – gives a great peppery flavor with crunch. Serve thinly sliced.
• Bell pepper – Green is normally used but other colors would give a sweeter taste.
• Flat bread pieces (labelled keto croutons) – traditionally fried pita or flat bread pieces are used. We have used a low carb substitute.
• Red onion – green onion is preferable but there were none in our stores. Red or white onions can be used.
• Mint – fresh mint is usually used but dried mint could be substituted. Fresh herbs like mint and parsley are commonly used in fattoush salad, adding a fragrant and aromatic element. The herbs not only infuse the salad with their delightful scents but also contribute to its fresh and lively taste.
• Parsley – flat leaved parsley adds a vibrant flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Dressing – a mix of sumac, lemon and garlic make the base of a tangy dressing.

FATTOUSH DRESSING

Traditionally a Lebanese Fattoush salad dressing will have pomegranate molasses but as that is too high in carbs, we have omitted it. The mix of sumac, lemon and garlic still give a zesty dressing to the salad. If you want a slightly less tart dressing, add a tablespoon of low carb sweetener to the other ingredients.

WHAT IS SUMAC?

Sumac is a tangy and slightly tart spice that is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is made from dried and ground berries of the sumac shrub, which is native to regions such as the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa.

The deep red or purple sumac spice is known for its distinctive flavor profile. It has a lemony, sour, and slightly fruity taste, which adds a bright and zesty element to dishes. Sumac is often used as a flavor enhancer and can provide a pleasant acidity to a variety of foods.

HOW TO MAKE THE LOW CARB PITA CHIPS

In a traditional fattoush salad, the addition of toasted or fried pieces of pita bread adds a delightful crunch to the salad. This contrast in texture, alongside the crispness of the vegetables, creates a satisfying and enjoyable mouthfeel.

RECIPE TIPS

When chopping the romaine lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers, try for even sizes. The cucumbers can be chopped instead of sliced.

Look for high-quality sumac spice for the best taste. Sprinkle it over the salad along with the other seasonings or mix it into the dressing for an even distribution of flavor.

If you enjoy spice, consider adding a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH KETO LEBANESE FATTOUSH SALAD

Fattoush salad can be served as a standalone dish or as a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with fattoush salad:

• Grilled Meats: Fattoush salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken kafta, beef, or lamb. The vibrant flavors and textures of the salad complement the smoky and savory notes of the grilled meat. You can serve the salad alongside or on top of the grilled meat for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Grilled Fish or Shrimp: Seafood lovers can enjoy a delicious pairing by serving grilled fish or shrimp alongside fattoush salad. The light and fresh flavors of the salad complement the delicate taste of the seafood, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
• Middle Eastern Platter: Create a Middle Eastern-inspired platter by serving fattoush salad alongside other low carb versions of traditional dishes like tabbouleh, baba ganoush and grilled halloumi cheese. This assortment of flavors and textures provides a delightful and diverse dining experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Fattoush salad can be served alongside roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower. The salad adds a refreshing element to the roasted vegetables, enhancing their flavors and adding a vibrant touch to the overall dish.