This Fattoush Chicken Salad is inspired by the classic Lebanese salad but transformed into a satisfying high-protein meal. Juicy yoghurt-marinated chicken is served over a vibrant salad with crunchy homemade pita croutons and a tangy sumac dressing. It’s fresh, colourful, packed with texture and comes together in just 20 minutes.

Welcome to Dinner in 20

After a busy day, I want dinners that are quick, nourishing and genuinely exciting to eat—not recipes that leave me standing in the kitchen for an hour.

That’s why I created Dinner in 20: a series of balanced, high-protein dinners that are on the table in 20 minutes or less, using simple ingredients without sacrificing flavour.

This is Episode 11, and it might just be my favourite salad in the series so far. Inspired by the classic Lebanese fattoush, it combines juicy yoghurt-marinated chicken with a vibrant salad, a tangy sumac dressing and crispy homemade pita croutons for the perfect crunch. Fresh, colourful and incredibly satisfying, it packs 47g of protein and 8g of fibre into a meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Buonissimo!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• High in protein and fibre
• Inspired by authentic Lebanese flavours
• Fresh, colourful and incredibly satisfying
• Perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner

What Is Fattoush?

Fattoush is a traditional salad from the Levant, most commonly associated with Lebanese cuisine. It’s made with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, toasted pita bread and a bright dressing flavoured with lemon and sumac, a spice with a wonderfully tangy, citrus-like flavour.

Traditionally, fattoush was created as a delicious way to use up stale pita bread. Instead of throwing it away, it was toasted until crisp and tossed through the salad, creating one of the most iconic Middle Eastern dishes.

This version keeps all the flavours of the classic while adding juicy marinated chicken to turn it into a balanced, high-protein meal.

Why Marinate Chicken In Yoghurt?

If you’ve never added yoghurt to a chicken marinade before, this is your sign to start!

Greek yoghurt contains lactic acid, which gently tenderises the chicken without making it mushy. It also helps the chicken stay incredibly juicy while cooking and creates a coating that allows all the spices to cling beautifully to the meat.

Even 0% Greek yoghurt works brilliantly, making this an easy way to improve both flavour and texture without adding many extra calories.

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Why This Recipe Is So Nutritious

This salad is packed with everything I look for in a balanced meal.

Chicken breast provides 47g of high-quality protein to help keep you full and support muscle maintenance. The colourful vegetables provide fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, while olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The toasted pita adds satisfying crunch, making this feel like a proper meal rather than just another salad.

With 8g of fibre, it’s filling, nourishing and full of flavour.

Flo’s Tips

• Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours if you have time for even more flavour.
• No pomegranate molasses? Balsamic vinegar makes a great substitute.
• Add chopped parsley alongside the mint for an even more traditional fattoush.
• Toast the pita just before serving so it stays perfectly crunchy.

Nutrition

This Fattoush Chicken Salad is proof that healthy eating never has to be boring. Every serving delivers an impressive 47g of high-quality protein, making it a fantastic option for supporting muscle maintenance, recovery and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

The generous mix of fresh vegetables provides 8g of fibre, helping to support gut health, digestion and steady energy levels throughout the day. Tomatoes, cucumber, radishes and herbs are also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Instead of heavy, creamy dressings, this salad is dressed with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and sumac—a combination that’s packed with flavour while providing heart-healthy unsaturated fats. The crispy wholemeal pita adds satisfying crunch and slow-release carbohydrates, making this a balanced meal that’s fresh, filling and incredibly delicious.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as that’s when the vegetables are at their crispiest and the pita croutons stay perfectly crunchy.

If you’re meal prepping, store the chicken, salad, dressing and pita croutons separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, while the chopped salad and dressing will stay fresh for 2–3 days. Keep the pita croutons at room temperature in an airtight container so they don’t lose their crunch.

When you’re ready to eat, simply toss the salad with the dressing, top with the chicken and finish with the crispy pita croutons. If you prefer, the chicken can be enjoyed either cold or gently reheated before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Prepare the chicken, salad and dressing in advance, but keep the pita croutons separate until serving so they stay crisp.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. They may need an extra minute or two in the air fryer.

What does sumac taste like?

Sumac has a bright, tangy flavour that’s often compared to lemon but with a fruity, slightly earthy finish. It’s one of the key ingredients that gives fattoush its signature taste.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Simply replace the pita with your favourite gluten-free flatbread or omit it altogether and add toasted chickpeas or seeds for crunch.

More Healthy Dinner

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• Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
• Salmon Tacos with Creamy Avocado
• Thai Coconut Cod Curry