Fattoush dressing remains my go-to choice for Fattoush salad, though other Middle Eastern types like Syrian or Lebanese vinaigrettes could work for this classic salad. The traditional blend of sumac, olive oil, and lemon perfectly complements the crispy pita and fresh vegetables.
Contents
Fattoush salad dressing recipe
Fattoush dressing is a key component of the traditional Middle Eastern salad – Fattoush. This dressing is characterized by its bright, zesty flavors and is essential for tying together the fresh ingredients of the salad.
This Lebanese Fattoush dressing creates a perfect balance between tangy and sweet elements. It combines olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. Unlike Western vinaigrettes, Fattoush dressing possesses a unique depth from sumac’s tartness and pomegranate’s sweet-sour notes.
This versatile dressing transforms humble ingredients into global magic. Here’s how to make the Fattoush dressing:
Fattoush Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and sumac.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Adjust the flavor by adding more lemon juice or pomegranate molasses as desired.
- Drizzle over your Fattoush salad just before serving and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to pair and serve
This dressing’s unique blend of spices makes it an excellent choice for those meals below:
1. Salad Combinations
- Traditional fattoush salad
- Mixed green salads
- Grilled vegetable
2. Main Dish Accompaniments
- Grilled meats: grilled chicken, beef, or lamb dishes such as:
- Chicken Shish Tawook
- Beef Kafta Kebabs
- Arayes (Meat-stuffed pita pockets)
- Seafood:
- Roasted Salmon
- Grilled shrimp
3. Other Applications
- Grain bowl dressing
- Marinade base
- Dip foundation
Fattoush dressing variations
Discover unique variations of Fattoush dressing that add new flavors to this Middle Eastern classic.
1. Balsamic Fattoush dressing:
- Add balsamic vinegar
- Create a unique depth and sweetness to the dressing, balancing the acidity of the lemon and pomegranate molasses.
2. Regional Differences
| Region | Signature Elements | Key Modifications | Unique Ingredients |
| Lebanese | Heavy sumac presence | Balanced acid profile | Fresh mint dominance |
| Syrian | Concentrated garlic | Thicker consistency | Additional za’atar |
| Jordanian | Cumin undertones | Less olive oil | Wild thyme addition |
| Palestinian | Citrus-forward | Lighter body | Local olive oil blend |
| Turkish-influenced | Yogurt addition | Creamy texture | Dried mint accent |
3. Creamy Avocado Variation
- Mix mashed avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sumac and a pinch of salt.
- Provide a creamy texture while maintaining the fresh flavors typical of fattoush.
4. Mediterranean Twist
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, feta, chopped olives, minced garlic, and sumac.
- Pair well with the crunchy vegetables.
5. Healthy Version
- Low-Oil Versions
- Using citrus juice reduction
- Incorporating vegetable purees
- Adding mustard as an emulsifier
- Sugar-Free Modifications
- Natural date syrup replacement
- Reduced pomegranate molasses
- Stevia-based sweetening
- Raw Options
- Preserved lemon paste
- Fermented garlic
- Cold-pressed ingredients
