Nectarine Fattoush

Fattoush is a salad-type dish originating in the Middle East. It has many variations but is generally made with crumbled pieces of toasted or fried pita bread and a variety of greens and crunchy vegetables. My twist on fattoush adds summer sweet nectarines!

WHAT YOU NEED:

For Toasted Pitas:

2 whole wheat round pita pockets, cut into wedges

1-2 tsp. olive oil

Kosher salt

Ground black pepper

For Salad:

5 - 6 oz. salad greens (eg, arugula, mixed greens, baby spinach etc), rinsed and spun/patted dry

1 English cucumber, chopped

2 cups (1 dry pint) sun gold tomatoes or any variety of cherry tomatoes, halved

2 fresh ripe unpeeled nectarines, cut into slices

Several sprigs of fresh mint, rinsed and patted dry

Handful of fresh basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry

4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

For Dressing:

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

1 Tbsp. honey

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

Ground black pepper, a pinch

MAKING IT:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut each pita into 8 wedges. Arrange the pita wedges on a baking sheet. Brush oil on both sides of each pita wedge. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Bake for 7 - 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden in color. Set aside to cool.

Place rinsed salad greens in a large bowl. Add cucumber, tomatoes and nectarines. Set bowl aside.

Place all dressing ingredients in a container with a lid; shake well. (Shake again before adding to salad).

Pour dressing on top of salad veggies. Toss so everything is lightly coated with dressing. Crush toasted pita into bite-sized pieces. Top salad with pita pieces and feta cheese; lightly toss.  Tear or cut basil and mint leaves into small pieces; add herbs to salad and toss again.  Makes about 8 side dish servings or 4 main dish servings.

NUTRITION:

Nutrition Information per serving (1/8 recipe): 220 Calories; 18g Total Fat; (4g Sat Fat; 0g Trans Fat); 15mg Chol; 310mg Sodium; 14g Total Carb; (2g Fiber; 8g Total Sugars; 2g Added Sugars); 4g Protein; 10% DV Vitamin A, 25% DV Vitamin C

TIPS:

Try making with different fruits, like peaches, plums, apples or berries!

Make a heartier dish by adding a protein of choice, such as grilled chicken or shrimp or chickpeas.

Do Ahead Tip: Make dressing, bake pita chips, chop veggies and slice fruit in advance (brush nectarine slices with lemon juice to prevent browning); refrigerate fresh greens/fruit until ready to assemble.