food (food) | fattoush salad

I'm convinced that I could easily live in the middle east solely because of the food. I love everything from shawarma to kubideh to hummus and my personal favorite - fattoush salad.  This salad is super simple, but has a big bold flavor.  Even though it seems simple to make, I would always resort to getting it from my favorite restaurant or take out place because it just tastes so much better when someone else makes it.  However, I caved in and finally made it for myself.  I ended up liking it so much that I ate it for an entire week. :)

Here's what you'll need:

• 1cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers (you'll want these veggies to be roughly the same size)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1/2 cup crushed pita chips 
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp garlic salt (I use Mama Garlic seasoning from Whole Foods - it tastes great on everything!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Place all vegetables and pita chips into a large bowl.  In a separate small bowl, add lemon juice, garlic salt and olive oil.  Whisk together and pour over salad.  Mix until coated evenly.

I usually serve the salad with a piece grilled chicken served on top for some protein, but the salad is great all on it's own.  For a full meal middle eastern feast you can serve with dolmas (store bought for me), hummus and a piece of pita bread.  Enjoy!