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    TaraTeaspoon » Method » Grilling and Smoking

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Published: by

    Fattoush Salad Recipe with Lemon Chicken, Dates, and Almonds

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Comments
    lemon chicken kabobs with grilled pita pin
    grilled lemon chicken pin
    Grilled Pita Salad with Lemon Chicken Kabobs pin image

    Grilled pita salad and tangy kebabs make the perfect summer meal from the grill. It's my take on the Middle Eastern bread salad, called Fattoush, with pops of cumin, sweet dates, and lemony sumac.


    Give me bread and you'll make me happy. That's the quote I like to live by (I made it up by the way)! So, when you say salad, I say "add bread!" I've long loved the Italian bread salad called panzanella. This version uses pita, cumin, and sumac and is the most delicious fattoush salad recipe.

    Fattoush Salad with Grilled lemon chicken kabobs in turquoise bowl and on cutting board.
    Jump to:
    • What is panzanella and fattoush salad?
    • What's the difference between kebab and kabob?
    • Make Mediterranean kebabs with marinated chicken
    • How long to grill chicken skewers?
    • Fattoush Salad with Lemon Chicken, Dates, and Almonds

    What is panzanella and fattoush salad?

    There are several types of bread salad. Panzanella and fattoush are just two of them.

    Panzanella is simply bites of crusty bread tossed with tomatoes, other veggies, and dressing. The bread soaks up the tomato juices and vinaigrette and makes the salad more filling, and of course delicious.

    The Middle Eastern version of bread salad is called fattoush or fatoush. Instead of using a crusty Italian loaf, pitas take that place and create another type of filling salad. I added tangy chicken kabobs to this recipe so you'll have an entire summer meal. I have to twist my own arm to eat a bowl of greens, so fun salad recipes are the way to my heart...I mean health.

    Panzanella, that yummy salad I mentioned earlier, originated from the Italian tradition of using stale bread so it wouldn't go to waste. Fattoush is the same idea. It's derived from the arabic word for crumble. They would literally just crumble leftover pita on to their salad and let it soak up the vinaigrette goodness.

    I think it's so great that two different parts of the world both created meals so that they could eat all the bread! Definitely my kind of recipes.

    Lemon chicken kabobs with grilled pita salad and almonds

    Fattoush salad recipe with sumac dressing

    I packed this grilled pita salad with almonds, sweet dates and savory onions, along with a flavorful dressing. Cumin, sesame and of course sumac are key spices to this recipe as well. 

    Sumac is a tangy and citrusy type of spice that comes from the Middle East. If you're dying to make this recipe but can't find any sumac, try using some lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

    What kind of pita bread should I use?

    Regular pocket pita bread that you find in the bread aisle at the store is perfect. You can certainly use homemade, fluffy pita you might get at an authentic bakery and even pita flatbread without a pocket!

    While I don't suggest using stale or old pita bread, you still want to get a good crisp texture in your salad. Grilling your pita bread is an important step. While it will soften in the salad, the grilling gives it a nice crunch along with adding a smokiness to the bread and to every bite of the salad.

    What's the difference between kebab and kabob?

    Oh my goodness this is such a thing for me! I grew up calling skewers of meat or vegetables "kabobs." That makes sense since I grew up in the United States!

    The difference between kabob and kebab is really just that "kabob" is the U.S. spelling and "kebab" is the British spelling. That being said, "kebab" is the most used spelling and pronunciation around the world. Americans really hold on to, and use "kabob" exclusively!

    I chose to use the spelling "kebab" in my cookbook since it was more universal. Whether you say they are Mediterranean kebabs or Mediterranean kabobs (you decide), I'll write about them as kebabs and kabobs!

    Make Mediterranean kebabs with marinated chicken

    This fattoush salad recipe is made even better with my grilled chicken skewers recipe. Two for one!

    Chicken takes on flavor really well. The chicken marinade I made is deliciously acidic with the lemon juice but the sweet and spice from the cumin, red pepper, and honey balance out to a tasty flavor combination.

    This recipe calls for chicken thighs. Does it really matter if you use chicken thighs vs chicken breasts? Yes! Sometimes as you grill chicken breasts they dry out. Thighs are a dark meat, therefore rich and tender. This makes them fantastic for grilling and helps them keep their flavor and moisture.

    Kabobs and Salad on cutting board with condiments

    How long to grill chicken skewers?

    Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF. I used chicken thighs in this recipe, and cooked them on medium-high heat for about 8 minutes.

    Medium-high heat on the grill is 400ºF to 450ºF. It doesn't take long to cook small pieces of chicken when it's over that high of heat! So watch your kebabs! And if you'd like to take the temperature, you can use a really good meat thermometer.

    Make this flavorful fattoush salad dinner

    I packed this grilled pita fattoush salad with almonds, sweet dates, and savory almonds to go with lemon chicken kabobs.

    Turning the chicken into kabobs not only makes it crowd friendly, but also helps the chicken grill so nicely! Check out my other delicious chicken, pork and lamb kabob recipes for more inspiration as well as tricks for using bamboo skewers on the grill!

    More grilled dinner recipes

    This grilled pita salad with almonds is the perfect grilling meal and puts a twist on those chicken recipes for the summer!

    grilled pita salad lemon chicken kabobs recipe image

    Fattoush Salad with Lemon Chicken, Dates, and Almonds

    Tara Teaspoon
    This grilled pita bread salad is one of my favorites! I spiced up the dressing with ground sumac, which has a lovely tart flavor and a citrus aroma. Make the Mediterranean chicken kebabs to go along with for a complete dinner.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine healthy, Mediterranean
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 678 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Chicken Skewers

    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoon honey
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

    Fattoush Salad

    • 2 rounds pita bread
    • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for pita
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ½ cup chopped dates
    • ½ cup chopped toasted almonds
    • 1 teaspoon sumac (or ½ teaspoon lemon zest)
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 6 cups (5 oz) baby spinach
    • ⅓ cup sliced red onion

    Instructions
     

    • Make chicken skewers: In a medium bowl mix lemon juice, honey, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes and the ¼ cup olive oil. Cut chicken into large pieces (1 to 1½-inch) and add to the lemon mixture. Chill 1 hr.
    • After chicken is marinated, heat grill to medium-high heat. Brush pitas with extra oil and grill, toasting well on both sides. Tear into pieces; set aside.
    • Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat until just cooked through, about 8 minutes total. Chicken should be cooked to 165ºF internal temperature (you can use this meat thermometer).
    • Make dressing: Whisk together the ¼ cup olive oil, vinegar, honey, dates, almonds, sumac, red pepper flakes, cumin, sesame seeds and salt; set aside until ready to serve salad. 
    • Combine spinach, red onion and grilled pita and toss with some of the date and almond dressing. Serve with chicken skewers and serve remaining dressing on the side.

    Notes

    The Middle Eastern version of bread salad is called Fattoush. Instead of using a crusty Italian loaf, pitas take that place and create another type of filling salad. I added tangy chicken kabobs to this recipe so you'll have an entire summer meal.
    Use this meat thermometer to get the best internal temperature reading on the chicken!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 678kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 39gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 344mgPotassium: 959mgFiber: 5gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 4335IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 134mgIron: 4mg
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

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    Check out these other sites for Middle Eastern recipe inspiration:

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    Tara in kitchen making salad

    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    Recipe by Tara Teaspoon. Photography William Brinson. Food Styling Adrienne Anderson. Prop Styling Sara Cave. Original pub LHJ 7/13.

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    Filed Under: Chicken and Poultry, Grilling and Smoking, Mediterranean, Salads Tagged With: almonds, bbq, chicken, chicken kabobs, cumin, easy dinner, grill, grilled pita, grilling, kabobs, lemon, lemon chicken, pita, salad, sumac, summer

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Formicola says

      June 26, 2018 at 12:27 pm

      This is my kind of meal! So perfect for summer!

      Reply
    2. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says

      June 26, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      This would be a perfect addition to any BBQ too! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
    3. Jessica Levinson says

      June 26, 2018 at 1:20 pm

      Looks so delicious! Definitely a winning lunch or dinner!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:35 pm

        Agreed! Any time of day!

        Reply
    4. Vicky says

      June 26, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      I love the idea of using pita pieces in lieu of croutons. So clever! This makes a wonderful light lunch that still provides some much needed protein.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:35 pm

        Glad you like the idea!

        Reply
    5. Jacqueline Debono says

      June 26, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      I love fattoush! So, this salad sounds perfect. Def going to keep this in mind for our next meal in the garden. I just think it's perfect outdoor food!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        Totally great for outdoor food!

        Reply
    6. Mike from Chili Pepper Madness says

      June 26, 2018 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks for this recipe. It was nice and light with just the right amount of spiciness for me. Perfect for summer.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        Awesome Mike! Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    7. Tami says

      June 26, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      This looks delicious and will be great for the new and healthier lifestyle we are embarking upon. I am adding it to next week's menu.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        Oh can't wait for you to try it!

        Reply
    8. Jenni LeBaron says

      June 26, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      This looks like such a great lunch! I love all the textures you've added, especially the crunchiness of the almonds!

      Reply
    9. Erin | The Epicurean Traveler says

      June 26, 2018 at 6:08 pm

      This is my kind of summer meal! My boyfriend is from Iraq and I'm from a Michigan city with a large Arab American population. Naturally, we both LOVE kebabs. I can see this being one of our future date-night meals!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:37 pm

        Ah perfect! I hope it's a hit.

        Reply
    10. Rachel says

      June 27, 2018 at 12:48 am

      I am always looking for new recipes to use chicken thighs. My kids love them. This looks so good!

      Reply
    11. Aarika says

      June 28, 2018 at 6:46 pm

      This is a great recipe! I enjoyed learning about Fattoush. I've never had bread salad, but I'm excited to try it! Thanks.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        July 05, 2018 at 6:37 pm

        It's one of my favorite secrets. Bread salad! Always so delicious.

        Reply
    12. Mary Bench says

      July 18, 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Love this salad!

      Reply
    13. Brit says

      May 12, 2020 at 12:09 am

      My aunt's family is from Armenia so we're always looking for new Middle Eastern recipes, and this one looks INCREDIBLE! So excited to try it!

      Reply
    14. Natalie says

      July 03, 2020 at 1:03 pm

      I love the mix of flavors and textures in this recipe. I can't wait to try it out!

      Reply
    15. Megan Palmer says

      July 03, 2020 at 1:17 pm

      I've been looking for a new kabob recipe to try out this summer, I have added this one to my list!

      Reply
    16. Beth says

      August 20, 2020 at 10:07 am

      This salad looks so tasty and refreshing! Can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    17. Amanda says

      August 20, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Now this is my kind of meal, everything was delicious and so much fun to make!

      Reply
    18. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      August 20, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      This is such an amazing flavor combo!! Would love to try it!

      Reply
    19. Toni Dash says

      August 21, 2020 at 10:23 am

      I really love how flavorful this is!! Can't wait to make it again!

      Reply
    20. katerina @ diethood.com says

      August 21, 2020 at 10:40 am

      I would love this for lunch! Sounds incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    21. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

      August 21, 2020 at 10:42 am

      Such an amazing and flavorful salad! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    22. Allyson Zea says

      August 21, 2020 at 11:10 am

      I am so glad we tried this recipe! It turned out so good!

      Reply
    23. Suzy says

      August 21, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      Everything about this was so good! The chicken, pita and salad were perfect!

      Reply
    24. Liz says

      June 28, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      I am right there with you on the love of bread! This is definitely my kind of salad. Such a great way to add some veggies to my bread addiction haha

      Reply
    25. Dannii says

      June 28, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      This is one of my favourite salads. So filling and lots of texture to it too.

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        June 30, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Glad you love it!

        Reply
    26. Lisa Kerhin says

      June 28, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      It's salad "season" here with the temps so hot! I will be making this one for sure!

      Reply
    27. Ashley says

      June 28, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      Amazing flavor! It turned out perfect! The chicken was so moist.

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        June 30, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Oh glad you liked it!

        Reply
    28. Jac says

      June 28, 2021 at 4:27 pm

      Loved this salad it was so vibrant and flavourful. My favourite parts were the sweet dates and toasted almond. So tasty 🙂

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        June 30, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Happy to hear it!

        Reply

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