Description
Lebanese Salad Dressing with Lemon and Garlic is a bright, tangy, and aromatic dressing featuring fresh lemon juice, robust garlic, and smooth extra virgin olive oil. This simple yet authentic Mediterranean dressing enhances salads, grilled vegetables, and meats with a refreshing and zesty flavor, making it a versatile, healthy, and flavorful addition to your everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 2 medium fresh lemons, juiced (about 4 tablespoons)
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Traditional Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- Pinch of dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel and finely mince or crush 2 to 3 garlic cloves based on your taste preference. The finer the garlic, the more evenly its bold flavor will blend into the dressing.
- Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice: Juice 2 medium lemons to obtain about 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Avoid bottled juice for the best bright and natural acidity.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Stir in 1 teaspoon of sumac or a pinch of dried mint if desired, adding extra aroma and authentic Lebanese flair to the dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your palate.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
- Whisk or shake the dressing thoroughly to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture.
- Let the dressing rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Measure the olive oil carefully to maintain a good balance and keep the dressing bright and tangy.
- For a milder garlic flavor, lightly sauté the garlic before mixing or reduce the amount slightly.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake well before each use.
- Freezing is not recommended as olive oil texture and garlic flavor can change.
- This dressing is served cold or at room temperature; let it sit out a few minutes after refrigeration before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lebanese salad dressing, lemon garlic dressing, Mediterranean dressing, vegan salad dressing, healthy salad dressing, olive oil dressing