Description
This classic Lebanese salad dressing is a vibrant and fresh vinaigrette featuring lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and optional herbs and sweeteners. Perfect for drizzling over Middle Eastern salads like fattoush or tabbouleh, it combines bright citrus with the depth of olive oil and the zing of garlic, making any salad come alive with authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
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 maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped or sumac (optional, for a tangy note)
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, garlic, and mustard: In a bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard if using, to create the tangy base of the dressing.
- Emulsify with olive oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing into a smooth, well-blended vinaigrette.
- Add sweetness (optional): Stir in maple syrup or honey if you prefer a hint of sweetness balancing the acidity of the lemon.
- Season the dressing: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Finish with herbs or sumac (optional): Fold in finely chopped fresh parsley and mint for herbal freshness, or use sumac for a tart, tangy note to enhance the Lebanese flavor profile.
- Serve or store: Use immediately on your favorite salad or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If solidification occurs, let the dressing sit at room temperature until it liquefies before use.
Notes
- Approximately 1/2 cup of dressing yields enough for 4-6 salad servings, depending on how heavily you dress your salad.
- Keep the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- If olive oil solidifies when chilled, allow it to return to room temperature before using to restore its liquid consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
