Name: Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: ½ cup Fresh Lemon Juice; ½ cup mild extra-virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tsp kosher salt; ground black pepper

This Lebanese lemon salad dressing is a vibrant and tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and aromatic garlic. It's a simple yet flavorful dressing that adds a Middle Eastern touch to your salads.

Photos of Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

While the ingredients for this recipe are relatively straightforward, the key is in the quality. Opt for a mild extra-virgin olive oil, which will blend well with the acidity of the lemon without overpowering it. Fresh lemons are ideal for a bright and tangy flavor. The addition of garlic adds a slight kick to the dressing, and its flavor melds beautifully with the lemon and olive oil.

Ingredients for Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for this recipe. It gives the dressing a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of salads.

Olive oil: A mild extra-virgin olive oil helps carry the other flavors and adds a silky texture to the dressing.

Garlic: Garlic adds depth to this dressing. It provides a subtle heat and aromatic quality that complements the freshness of the lemon.

Kosher salt: Kosher salt is used to enhance the flavors of the dressing. It's less salty than table salt, making it ideal for seasoning.

Black pepper: Ground black pepper adds a slight spiciness and complexity to the dressing.

One reader, Cari Page says:

This Lebanese lemon salad dressing recipe is a game-changer! The tangy lemon perfectly complements the olive oil, creating a refreshing and zesty dressing. The garlic adds a delightful kick, making it a versatile addition to any salad. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salad game!

Cari Page

Mastering the Art of Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing: Key Techniques

How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.

How to store the dressing: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Stir well before using.

How To Make Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing

This recipe for salad dressing is inspired by Lebanese flavors and needs 5 ingredients only. The lemon imparts a strong tanginess to this dressing.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupfresh lemon juice
½cupmild extra-virgin olive oil
3garlic cloves,minced
1tspkosher salt
ground black pepper,to taste

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 996.81kcal
Fat: 108.36g
Saturated Fat: 14.98g
Monounsaturated Fat: 78.81g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.42g
Carbohydrates: 11.86g
Fiber: 0.74g
Sugar: 3.17g
Protein: 1.08g
Sodium: 557.49mg
Calcium: 28.27mg
Potassium: 172.67mg
Iron: 0.93mg
Vitamin A: 0.20µg
Vitamin C: 50.02mg

Unlock the Secrets to a Perfectly Balanced Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing

To ensure the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout the Lebanese lemon salad dressing, consider mincing or grating the cloves before adding them to the mixture. This will also help to avoid any large, overpowering chunks of garlic in your dressing.

Time-Saving Hacks for Whipping Up Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.

Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors, mandolines, and immersion blenders to speed up prep work.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils as you cook to prevent a pile-up of dirty items at the end.

Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of certain ingredients and freeze them for future use, saving time on meal prep later.

Time management: Plan your cooking schedule and multitask when possible to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a similar level of acidity and a slightly fruity flavor that can mimic the tanginess of lemon juice in the dressing.
mild extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in the dressing.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a similar pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing, without the intensity of raw garlic.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and saltiness to kosher salt, making it a suitable replacement in the dressing.
ground black pepper - Substitute with Aleppo pepper: Aleppo pepper offers a mild heat and fruity flavor, adding a unique twist to the dressing while still providing a hint of spiciness.

Elevate Your Salad Game with This Beautiful Presentation

Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, using vibrant and contrasting colors to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element such as toasted pita chips or nuts to provide a delightful textural contrast to the salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped parsley or mint to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Consider edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers to the salad for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the salad in elegant ceramic bowls or glass dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.
Drizzle with precision: When dressing the salad, use a steady hand to drizzle the lemon dressing in an artistic manner, ensuring even distribution without overwhelming the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Dressing

Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often used for salad dressings and sauces.
Medium bowl: A container used for mixing and combining ingredients, typically used for preparing dressings and marinades.

Discover the Fascinating History Behind This Lebanese Staple

Lemon salad dressing is a versatile and tangy addition to any dish. It can be used as a marinade for meats, a dressing for salads, or a flavorful topping for grilled vegetables. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to tenderize meats and adds a bright, refreshing flavor to the dish. Additionally, the combination of lemon juice and olive oil provides a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin C, making it a nutritious choice for enhancing the flavor of your meals.

Budget-Friendly and Delicious: Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing at Home

This lebanese lemon salad dressing recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, it offers great value. The use of basic pantry staples makes it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, versatility, and delightful flavor.

Is This Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Healthy?

The Lebanese lemon salad dressing recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, both of which offer numerous health benefits:

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health
Extra-virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Garlic has been shown to have potential benefits for heart health, immune function, and blood sugar regulation

However, the recipe does contain a significant amount of oil, which can contribute to a higher calorie count.

To make this dressing even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil to 1/3 cup and increase the lemon juice to 2/3 cup for a lower-calorie, more tangy dressing
Add 1-2 tsp of Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra flavor and a slight boost in antioxidants
Include 1/2 tsp of dried herbs like oregano or thyme for additional antioxidants and flavor complexity
Experiment with adding a small amount of honey (1-2 tsp) to balance the tartness of the lemon juice while providing a natural source of sweetness
For a nutrient boost, whisk in 1-2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh parsley or mint, which are rich in vitamins and minerals

Why Our Editor Can't Get Enough of This Zesty Dressing

This Lebanese lemon salad dressing recipe is a delightful combination of tangy lemon juice, smooth olive oil, and aromatic garlic. The balance of flavors is perfect, creating a versatile dressing that can elevate any salad. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, making it a refreshing addition to any dish. The use of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and zesty note, while the olive oil provides a rich and velvety texture. This dressing is a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to their meals.

Enhance Your Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and garlic before grilling for a burst of flavor.

Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Toss together a variety of fresh fruits and drizzle with a zesty honey-lime dressing for a refreshing and light side dish.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and flavorful soup option.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in a sweet and tangy dessert with layers of creamy cheesecake and a burst of blueberry flavor.

Explore These Tantalizing Variations on Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad: Grill a variety of vegetables and toss them with a homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy salad option.

Moroccan Lamb Tagine: Slow-cook tender lamb with a blend of aromatic spices, dried fruits, and nuts for a flavorful and comforting tagine dish.

Tropical Fruit Salsa: Combine fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi with herbs and spices to create a vibrant and tangy salsa that pairs perfectly with grilled fish or chicken.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash and blend it with warm spices and cream for a velvety and comforting soup that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Dressing

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Create a mouthwatering dish by grilling salmon to perfection and serving it with a tangy mango salsa. The combination of the smoky flavor from the grill and the sweet and spicy salsa will leave your guests craving for more.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Impress your guests with a colorful and flavorful dish of stuffed bell peppers. Fill the peppers with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of vegetables, then bake until tender. The result is a satisfying and healthy main course that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry topping for a delightful and satisfying treat.

Why trust this Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe:

This lebanese lemon salad dressing recipe offers a burst of fresh, tangy flavor, perfect for enhancing your salads. The fresh lemon juice provides a zesty kick, while the mild extra-virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity note. With the addition of garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, this dressing is a harmonious blend of savory and citrusy elements. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to elevate your salads to new heights.

Share your thoughts on this Lebanese Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest.

FAQ:

What can I use this Lebanese lemon salad dressing for?

This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes. It's perfect for drizzling over fresh salads, marinating grilled meats, or even as a flavorful dip for bread.

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Absolutely! This dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.

Is there a substitute for fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is ideal for this recipe, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available. However, the flavor may not be as vibrant as using fresh lemons.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing?

Of course! If you're not a fan of strong garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic cloves or omit it altogether. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

How long will this dressing stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this dressing should stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.