Feta & Harissa Fattoush Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Cucumber: Offers a cool and crunchy texture.

Red onion: Gives a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the other ingredients.

Feta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad.

Fresh mint: Infuses a refreshing herbal note.

Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, slightly peppery flavor.

Olive oil: Acts as the base for the dressing, providing a rich, smooth texture.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.

Harissa paste: Brings a spicy, smoky flavor to the salad.

Ground sumac: Adds a tangy, lemony flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

When preparing the red onion, soak the thin slices in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion more palatable, ensuring it complements the other fresh ingredients without overpowering them.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with mixed greens: Mixed greens provide a similar fresh and crunchy base for the salad.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness.

• cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder onion flavor that complements the salad.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy and creamy texture.

• fresh mint - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a fresh and aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and mild flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrusy flavor.

• harissa paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar level of heat and a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• ground sumac - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar tangy and citrusy note.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar level of saltiness with an umami boost.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar heat with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your Feta & Harissa Fattoush Salad fresh, store the salad components and dressing separately. This prevents the romaine lettuce and other vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Place the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, mint, and parsley in an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, and ground sumac dressing in a separate small jar or container with a lid. Shake well before using.
• Keep both the salad components and the dressing in the refrigerator. The salad components can stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the dressing can last up to a week.
• When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. This ensures the salad remains crisp and flavorful.
• If you need to freeze the salad, it’s best to avoid freezing the romaine lettuce and other fresh vegetables as they can become mushy upon thawing. Instead, freeze the dressing in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
• For a quick meal, you can prepare and freeze the dressing ahead of time. Simply thaw the dressing cubes in the refrigerator overnight and use them as needed.
• To add a bit of crunch, consider storing some toasted pita bread or croutons separately and add them just before serving. This will enhance the texture and flavor of your Feta & Harissa Fattoush Salad.

• Start by separating the romaine lettuce from the rest of the salad. This will prevent it from becoming soggy when reheated.
• Place the remaining ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese, in a microwave-safe dish.
• Microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just enough to take the chill off without cooking the vegetables.
• Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the salad ingredients (excluding the lettuce). Stir gently for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Once the ingredients are warmed, let them cool slightly before mixing them back with the romaine lettuce.
• Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice if needed to refresh the flavors.
• Toss everything together gently and serve immediately.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, mint, and parsley.

• Small bowl: To whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, ground sumac, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Chef's knife: To chop the romaine lettuce, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, and ground sumac.

• Salad tongs: To toss the salad and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

• Serving bowl: To present the salad once it is ready to be served.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Save time by buying pre-crumbled feta cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.

Ready-made harissa: Purchase ready-made harissa paste to avoid making it from scratch.

Batch make dressing: Mix a larger batch of the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, and ground sumac dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.

Organize your workspace: Keep all your ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the assembly process.