Serves 4
This gluten-free Fattoush “crumbled bread” salad is made with a healing spice called Sumac, which is loaded with health benefits, perfect for aging adults like me! It's super rich in antioxidants, helps to lower blood sugar levels, increase levels of good cholesterol, helps to reduce bone loss and provides relief for muscle pain. Sumac is high in vitamin C which is super important during this time of year to fight the common cold, fever etc. and just as important, it is super versatile and tastes delicious! You can find it in the spice section of your health food store (which is where I got mine), it’s also found in specialty Middle Eastern markets. Start adding sumac to your diet to reap all of the delicious benefits that is has to offer. It can be used in everything from dressings to marinades. Goes well with grilled meat, fish, and veggies and can also just be sprinkled over cooked food for a dash of extra color and flavor!
Ingredients:
4 cups mixed lettuces – I used baby field greens and arugula
½ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
½ cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley
½ cup thinly sliced green onion
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup sliced radishes
1 avocado cubed
2 cups gluten-free pita chips (I used Toufayan brand)
2 - 4 grilled chicken breasts (optional)
Dressing:
2-4 chopped garlic cloves
1 tsp. salt + more to taste
2 tsp. powdered Sumac, plus more for sprinkling on top
Juice from 2 lemons
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation:
Begin by dicing the tomatoes, sprinkling them with salt and set them in a strainer over a bowl to collect the juices for about 5 -10 min. They will be less watery and more flavorful and denser in texture.
In a large bowl, combine lettuces, mint, parsley, cucumbers, avocado, radish, and green onions.
Add tomatoes to the bowl.
Place ingredients for dressing into mini food processor or use an immersion blender and blend until combined well. Taste and add more salt/pepper to taste.
Crumble the pita chips and add to the salad. Toss well and if you are adding grilled chicken you can add it now. Let sit for a few minutes so the pita chips absorb some of the dressing.
Sprinkle with a bit more Sumac, serve and enjoy!!