Fattoush

Ingredients

For the dressing:

1. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2. 3 garlic cloves, minced
3. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
4. 1 teaspoon ground sumac (or lemon zest to taste)
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad:

9. 2 whole-wheat pitas, 6 inches in diameter
10. 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups)
11. 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
12. 2 small cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
13. 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
14. 3 green onions including tender green tops, minced
15. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
16. 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

Directions

First make the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the lemon juice, garlic, cumin, sumac (or lemon zest), salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Process until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream until emulsified. Set aside.

Next prepare the pita croutons. Heat the oven to 400 F. Tear each pita into half-inch pieces (or you may cut each into 8 triangles). Spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crisp and lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Now you're ready to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, green onions, mint and parsley and toss. Add the dressing and toss lightly to coat evenly. Divide the salad among individual plates. Top with the croutons.

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook," published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of a James Beard award.