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.

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.

A jar of healthy Lebanese salad dressing

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

Light, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it's a staple of Lebanese cuisine that's both healthy and full of flavor. This dressing combines lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic with warm sumac spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Course Condiment

Cuisine Lebanese, Mediterranean

Servings 6

Calories 90 kcal

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

– Makes approximately 1/2 cup of dressing, which is enough for about 4-6 servings (depending on how much dressing you like on your salad).

– This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the olive oil solidifies when chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature until it liquefies again before use.

Keyword healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, lebanese salad dressing, low-calorie dressing, Middle Eastern dressing

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.