Za’atar is my new favorite spice (you will notice it spelled differently in different places).
First it was sumac—which I loved adding to salads, meats and hummus. BUT THEN it was za’atar.
And I am not the only one. My Mom is right there with me! Back in October my Mom and I were at a The Spice and Tea Exchange in Asheville, NC (which I loved–see below) and found a little bag of za’atar and knew we had to have it.
If you can’t find this spice at your local stores then you can order it online at Penzeys Spices. I promise you won’t regret it.
When I saw this Pita Bread Salad in my Cooking Light Magazine I knew I had to try it.
As I have mentioned, I have a slight addiction to Cooking Light. Not only are there recipes healthy, but they are easy to make and are usually quick to make (and that is not a sponsored plug—I really LOVE their recipes). For a busy, working Mom—those things are key!
So back to the Pita Bread Salad…
It reminded me a little bit of Fattoush minus the lettuce and adding the za’atar. I made this to accompany Liz from The Lemon Bowl’s Lemony Chicken Soup with Greens on New Years Day and it was the perfect pairing. I love Liz’s blog—she has wonderful, healthy recipes that are unique and worth trying. Check her site out!
There is no better way than to start of the New Year off with a veggie packed meal with a little Mediterranean flavor mixed in.
- 2 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, each cut into 10 wedges
- 2 teaspoons za’atar
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground sumac
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups tomato, chopped
- 2 cups cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, thinly chopped
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh mint, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Put pita wedges on a nonstick baking sheet. Sprinkle pita evenly with za’atar and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool break into small pieces.
- Combine remaining garlic, salt, lemon juice and sumac in large bowl and whisk together. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Add tomato and remaining ingredients to mixing bowl and toss to coat with dressing. Let the salad stand for 20 minutes (let the veggies soak in the dressing).
- Add pita chips into salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator.
Lets get cooking!
Julia
Linked up with the 36th Avenue.
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You are so sweet – thanks for the love! I HEART Za’atar!! You have inspired me to make a fattoush salad!! I think I just may have it for lunch!! YUM!
Happy new Year!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl recently posted..Chicken and Brown Rice Skillet Recipe + Video
Of course! I loved that soup–I am a huge lemon lover.
Glad I inspired you–I love fattoush!
This looks yummy! Quick question. Is there a reason why you haven’t included a title and description on your recipe? Just trying to find out if there’s something different we should be doing. I’ve found a few photos on fooderific.com with no titles and I’m trying to figure out why some people aren’t using them. Thanks heaps for your help.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Noosa
Thanks! I included a title in this recipe on the post but not a description which I just added in. Is that what you are referring to or is there a different website you saw this recipe on? I accidentally left the description off, I usually try to add those into the recipe. Let me know!
Not only a beautiful salad, but it looks absolutely delicious!! I have never thought of making pita chips from the bread and mixing within the salad. So much better!!!
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Dark Espresso Roast Coffee Chocolate Cupcakes with a Silky Smooth Promise
My favorite salads are tabbouleh and fattoush. Fattoush uses pita chips and the crunch is great! I started buying a loaf of pita bread (I can get the good stuff for $1 a loaf) and I make my own pita chips. My husband likes to eat pita chips plain or with hummus so it is great to have around. Also, you know exactly what you are putting in and on your pita chips so that is a plus! Try it out.
We have a store that sells pita chips already seasoned with Za’atar, so I’m ready to indulge in this beauty for lunch. Thanks for the inspiration, Julia!
Anna @ Garnish with Lemon recently posted..Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash
I have actually never seen a store that sells pita chips with za’atar–that’s great you have a place that does! Pita chips are so easy to make and throw your favorite spices on. Thanks for stopping by!
What a great idea for a light lunch! I definitely need to try this once I buy some za’atar. Thanks for sharing this!
Diana @ Appetite for china recently posted..Kimchi Omelet
I love this salad! If you buy za’atar you will love it. It is great to put on salads, meats, in hummus or even with olive oil for dipping bread into. Enjoy!
This looks awesome! I love pita and I love salads, so I can only imagine that the combination is fabulous. Thanks for sharing
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Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms
Thanks! You will love it. I love putting pita chips in salads! I hope you try it and enjoy it.
I LOVE pita bread. You can always find some in my house! It tastes great with everything. I had never heard of Za’atar though, I’m really curious to try! Thanks for sharing Julia
Marie @ Not Enough Cinnamon.com recently posted..Arugula Salad with Shrimp and Grapes
Pita bread is the best–I love it with hummus, making sandwiches or putting it on salads. Za’atar is a great spice that is used in a lot of Middle Eastern cooking. A lot of ethnic stores or big grocery stores have it. I hope you can find it!