Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe

I absolutely love this Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of bright, tangy lemon and fragrant herbs that just wake up any salad. Whenever I want to add a fresh Middle Eastern twist to my greens, this dressing is my go-to—it’s light, zesty, and incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes. You’ll find that with just a handful of ingredients, you can elevate a simple salad into something spectacular.

When I first tried this Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe, I was amazed at how such a simple combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs could pack so much flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making lunch for yourself, this dressing works beautifully with anything from crisp lettuce to fattoush or even grilled veggies. Plus, I love that it stores well, so you can make it ahead and have it ready whenever you need a fresh, vibrant kick.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are the heart of an authentic Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe—fresh, simple, and easy to find. I recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, as those little details really shine through in the final flavor.

• Fresh lemon juice: Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best tangy punch, not bottled.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a good, fruity olive oil to complement the lemon’s brightness.
• Garlic cloves: Mince finely for even flavor distribution and to avoid overpowering bites.
• Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a touch of creaminess and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Maple syrup or honey (optional): Balances the acidity with a gentle sweetness, but feel free to skip if you prefer tartness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the components together.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a herbaceous freshness and color to the dressing.
• Fresh mint or sumac (optional): Mint offers a cooling note, while sumac adds a tangy, slightly fruity twist — both traditional choices in Lebanese cuisine.

Variations

I love that this Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe is super adaptable to your mood or what’s in your pantry—some days I like it more garlicky, other times with a sweeter twist. Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs or add a pinch of spice to make it your own.

• Herb swaps: I sometimes replace mint with fresh cilantro or dill for a slightly different flavor profile that still feels bright and fresh.
• Sweetener variations: Maple syrup is my favorite, but honey works just as well and adds a floral sweetness.
• Mustard-free: If Dijon mustard isn’t your thing, simply leave it out—you’ll still get a beautiful, balanced dressing.
• Add spice: A pinch of Aleppo pepper or crushed red chili flakes can bring a lovely gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with lemon.

How to Make Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Fresh Ingredients Together

Start by placing the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using) into a medium bowl. I like to whisk these thoroughly first to release the aroma of garlic and get the mustard well incorporated. This creates a nice base for your dressing’s flavor and texture.

Step 2: Slowly Emulsify with Olive Oil

Here’s where the magic happens: while whisking continuously, drizzle in the olive oil slowly. This helps emulsify the mixture so the oil and lemon juice don’t separate. I usually pour in small streams and keep whisking in a circular motion until it looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Sweeten and Season

Next, stir in your maple syrup or honey if you want a touch of sweetness to balance the acid. Then, season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste as you go—I always add a pinch at a time so the seasoning is just right for me and my family.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs or Sumac

Finally, fold in the chopped parsley and mint if you’re using them, or a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy, fruity note. I love how these fresh additions brighten the dressing even more and give it that authentic Lebanese flair. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for later use.

How to Serve Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I often top salads dressed with this Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a dusting of sumac for that tangy finish I adore. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds work beautifully too, adding a lovely crunch and richness.

Side Dishes

This dressing pairs like a dream with classic Lebanese dishes like tabbouleh, fattoush, or even grilled chicken and lamb kebabs. I also love serving it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a wholesome, fresh meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes drizzle the dressing beautifully over a platter of mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, then scatter edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal. It’s such a fresh, colorful centerpiece that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Lebanese Salad Dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid, right in the fridge. It keeps well for about a week, making it perfect for busy weeks when you want quick salad fixings. Just remember that olive oil may solidify when chilled, so let it warm to room temperature and whisk gently before using again.

Freezing

Freezing this dressing isn’t really recommended since the olive oil can change texture and separate. I’ve tried it a couple of times and found the flavor and consistency don’t come back quite right. It’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated within a week.

Reheating

Since this dressing is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove it from the fridge and give it a good whisk once it’s back to room temperature. That fresh, vibrant flavor is what makes this Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe so wonderful every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lebanese Salad Dressing Recipe is truly one of those simple kitchen heroes that I always keep on hand. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flexible—perfect for elevating salads any day of the week. I encourage you to give it a try and customize it to your taste; I’m confident your family and friends will go crazy for it just like mine do. Once you make it, I think you’ll find it becomes a staple in your dressing rotation, just like it did in mine!

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