Dinner

Chicken Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pitta and Sumac Recipe

Name: Chicken Fattoush Salad with Toasted Pitta and Sumac Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Juice of 2 lemons; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 Cos lettuce, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped into chunks; Small pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped; ½ cucumber, chopped into chunks; 200g cooked chicken pieces (or leftover cooked chicken); 2 spring onions, sliced; 2 pitta breads; 1-2 tsp ground sumac

ByHailey Reed November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

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Introduction

Chicken fattoush is a vibrant Middle Eastern salad bursting with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and crispy toasted pitta. This refreshing dish is dressed with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, making it a perfect light lunch or side.

A white oval plate holds a fresh chicken salad layered with bright green lettuce pieces as the base. On top of the lettuce, there are evenly spread slices of white cooked chicken breast showing tender, smooth texture. Bright red tomato wedges are scattered among the greens, adding a pop of color. Light brown pita bread pieces, slightly crispy and textured, are spread over the salad. Some green cucumber slices peep through the other ingredients. The salad is sprinkled with a fine red spice giving a gentle reddish dusting over the top. A fork rests on the right side of the plate. This dish is set on a white marbled surface with parts of two clear water glasses and a white plate shown at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp olive oil
1 Cos lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped into chunks
Small pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped
½ cucumber, chopped into chunks
200g pack cooked chicken pieces (or leftover cooked chicken)
2 spring onions, sliced
2 pitta breads
1-2 tsp ground sumac

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the lemon juice into a large bowl and whisk while slowly adding the olive oil. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Add the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, cooked chicken pieces, and sliced spring onions to the bowl. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 3: Toast the pitta breads in a toaster until crisp and golden. Once toasted, chop them into bite-sized chunks.
Step 4: Scatter the toasted pitta pieces over the salad, then sprinkle the ground sumac on top. Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra zing, add a crushed garlic clove to the dressing before whisking.
Try using grilled chicken instead of cooked pieces for a smoky flavor.
Replace the sumac with a sprinkle of lemon zest if unavailable.
Use pita chips baked with za’atar as a crunchy alternative to toasted pitta.

Storage

Prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the pitta crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat chicken separately if desired but avoid reheating the salad once combined.

How to Serve

A white oval plate filled with a fresh salad showing many layers: the bottom layer is bright green chopped lettuce, mixed with red tomato chunks and green cucumber pieces scattered evenly. On top, there are strips of white cooked chicken breast sprinkled with a reddish seasoning. Around and between the chicken, there are beige pita bread pieces adding a soft texture. A silver fork and spoon rest on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a red and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of Cos lettuce?

Yes, romaine or butter lettuce works well as a substitute. Choose crisp greens that hold up well in dressing.

What is sumac and can I skip it?

Sumac is a tangy Middle Eastern spice that adds a lemony flavor. If you don’t have sumac, you can skip it or use a little lemon zest or extra lemon juice as a substitute.