Take-Out Fattoush Bread Salad

In an effort to be frugal and never waste a crumb of food, peasants around the world have created ingenious dishes that utilize day-old bread. Hence the birth of bread pudding, bread soup, and even bread salads. Fattoush is a perfect example of the latter. It's name means 'moistened bread', and it's made of pita that is crisped in the oven and tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and an invigorating vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice and mint. From the Take-Out Menu Cookbook.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped of fresh mint
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3 (6 inch)  pita bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
• 2  tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1  cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped green onion

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400º.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
3. Place the pita pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the pita is slightly browned.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pita, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and green onions. Add the dressing and gently toss to coat. Allow the salad to sit for 15 minutes so the pita can absorb the flavors of the vegetables and vinaigrette.
5. Make Ahead: Fattoush can be made up to 30 minutes ahead of time.