Name: High-protein fattoush salad recipe video
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 radishes, thinly chopped; 4 green onions, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1 small cucumber, chopped or sliced; ½ medium green pepper, chopped; 1 can light tuna or salmon; ½ can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; ⅓ cup fresh mint, finely chopped or 2 tsp of dried mint; ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 1 to 2 tsp minced garlic; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | *Servings: 4 

Fattoush is a traditional Lebanese salad in which the main ingredients are toasted pita bread, romaine lettuce, mint leaves and fresh parsley. This twist on the traditional salad includes digestive-friendly ingredients such as green onions, cucumbers and mint. Romaine lettuce is optional. Adding chickpeas and tuna will turn this refreshing salad into a complete entrée. Remember that canned light tuna or salmon is a convenient way of increasing your daily intake of arthritis-friendly omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.  

Nutritional information (per serving*): 
Calories: 300; Protein (16g); Total Fat (18g); Saturated Fat (3g); Unsaturated fat (12g); Carbohydrates (29g); Fibre (7g); Sodium (420mg).

Ingredients

Salad: 

4 slices whole grain bread or pita bread 
4 radishes, thinly chopped  
4 green onions, chopped 
2 medium tomatoes, chopped 
1 small cucumber, chopped or sliced 
½ medium green pepper, chopped 
1 can light tuna or salmon
½ can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 
⅓ cup fresh mint, finely chopped or 2 tsp of dried mint 
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Vinaigrette: 

1 to 2 tsp minced garlic 
¼ cup fresh lemon juice 
¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil 
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions 

Step 1
Toast the bread, just enough to turn them golden and crisp, break it into bread crumb sized pieces. Set aside. 

Step 2
In a large salad bowl, combine the radishes, green onions, tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, canned tuna or salmon, chickpeas, parsley and mint. Toss well.  

Image 1 - Step 1 - toasted bread - Image 2 - Step 2 - radishes, green onions, tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, canned tuna or salmon, chickpeas, parsley and mint

Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.  

Step 4
Pour half of the vinaigrette into the salad mixture and marinate for about 30 minutes in the fridge.  

Step 5
Mix in the pieces of toasted bread. Add the remaining vinaigrette and toss well. Top with feta cheese (if using). Serve immediately.  

Photo 1 - Step 3 - vinaigrette, Photo 2 - Step 4 - all ingredients together with some feta on top

Extra tips:

Use a food processor to chop the fresh parsley and fresh mint leaves. 
Use pre-chopped garlic, infused in olive oil, if you are unable to peel and chop cloves of garlic.