Nothing Better then a Summer Salad

A while ago, Habibi and I were out with friends and I made a comment that I was looking for a good Middle Eastern cookbook for Americans, much like Julia Child's cookbooks.  Although I have found some good ones, nothing mirrors "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".  I must say I love the comment of our dear friend, "Perhaps you will be the Julia Child of Middle Eastern cooking.

I know our household eats far more salads in the summertime; however, the same old standard salad can get boring.  Here is my recipe for the Middle Eastern bread salad (Fatoosh).

1-1/2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
5 radishes sliced
3-4 green onions
2 cucumbers
3 tomatoes cut into wedges
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 c fresh mint or 2 Tbsp dried
2 Tbsp. Sumac

2 Rounds of Pita bread crisp (see previous post)

Dressing
1 garlic clove crushed (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil

Of course this recipe is a guide depending on the size of ingredients and your own personal preference. It's the lemon juice and sumac combination that makes this salad special.

TIP #1:  Every week I juice enough lemons to fill an olive oil  dispenser and keep in my fridge.  This way I don't have to get my juicer out every time I want to make dressing or add fresh lemon juice to a dish.

TIP#2:  As seen in the picture, wait to add the pita bread.  If the pita is allowed to sit in the salad, it becomes mush.

Enjoy!