Lebanese salad dressing offers a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors. It’s a perfect alternative if Syrian dressing isn’t quite your thing but you’re still craving vibrant Middle Eastern tastes.
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Lebanese salad dressing recipe
Lebanese salad dressing is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, creating a distinctive tangy and aromatic profile. Unlike heavy Western dressings, Lebanese dressing emphasizes freshness and natural ingredients.
I love how this dressing adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish, making it a perfect choice for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired meal. You can use it to enhance salads or as a marinade for meats or vegetables.
Here’s how to make the Lebanese salad dressing:
Lebanese salad dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint finely chopped (or sumac for a tangy note)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Stir in the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add the chopped parsley and mint for extra freshness and flavor. (Or use sumac for a tangy note)
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair and serve
Lebanese dressing enhances a variety of dishes with its vibrant flavors and aromatic ingredients.
1. Lebanese Cuisine Pairings
- Traditional salad combinations:
- Fattoush
- Tabbouleh
- Malfouf
- Main dish accompaniments:
- Grilled kebabs
- Roasted chicken
- Baked fish
- Mezze platter options:
- Hummus drizzle
- Baba ganoush enhancement
- Falafel dipping
2. Mediterranean Food Matching
- Regional vegetable dishes:
- Roasted eggplant
- Grilled zucchini
- Stuffed peppers
- Greek dish combinations:
- Horiatiki salad
- Grilled souvlaki
- Roasted vegetables
- Turkish food pairings:
- Shepherd’s salad
- Pide bread
- Grilled köfte
3. Modern Serving Ideas
- Western salad adaptations:
- Mixed green salads
- Grain-based bowls
- Roasted vegetable medleys
- Dipping sauce applications excel with:
- Fresh vegetable crudités
- Warm pita bread
- Grilled flatbreads
- Roasted vegetables
- Marinade uses:
- Chicken preparations
- Fish fillets
- Lamb cuts
4. Best Serving Practices
- Temperature considerations:
- Room temperature for optimal flavor
- Chilled for leafy greens
- Slightly warm for grilled items
- Portion recommendations:
- Salads: 2 tablespoons per cup of greens
- Dipping: ¼ cup per person
- Marinades: ½ cup per pound of protein
Variations
Exploring variations of Lebanese salad dressing enhances its versatility in various culinary applications.
1. Ground Sumac Version: This tangy spice imparts a citrusy flavor that enhances the lemon juice, making it a staple in both the dressing and as a garnish.
2. Pomegranate Molasse Adaptions: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth, balancing the acidity of lemon juice. It’s frequently found in dressings for Arabic salads and Fattoush.
3. Fresh Herbs: Incorporating parsley or cilantro can elevate the freshness of the dressing.
4. Za’atar: A blend of herbs such as sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds adds an aromatic twist.