Serves 4

This flavourful salad,  inspired by Israeli chef Avi Steinitz Style of the Dan Hotels, will have them begging you to make it regularly.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh assorted herbs (parsely, chives, cilantro, dill, mint)
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp coarsely chopped assorted nuts (walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, etc.), toasted
• 1 tbsp za'atar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2-3 small pitas, toasted, cooled, and broken into large pieces

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together chopped herbs, tomato, red pepper, and za'atar. Drizzle on oil and lemon juice and toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Place a pita on each plate and ladle salad mixture over the pitas. Alternatively, the pitas can be broken up and tossed in with the vegetables and herbs.

Tips: This herb salad is also wonderful as a bed for grilled fish.  Za'atar, a blend of dried hyssop, sumac, and sesame seeds, is available at Middle Eastern grocers.  Together with a good quality olive oil, it's a wonderful topping for flatbreads and pitas.