Zesty Lemon Sumac Dressing

Add a burst of flavor to any meal with this Zesty Lemon Sumac Dressing! Featuring a perfect blend of bright lemon and warm sumac, this combination of flavors livens up any salad, fish, or roasted veggies and comes together in less than 5 minutes! 

As an experienced home chef, I’m always looking for ways to add flavor without adding lots of time or ingredients, and one of the best ways to do that is by making your dressing at home from scratch! Once I started doing this, I was so impressed by how much better it made everything taste and how easy it was to do. Trust me, my Tahini Mustard Dressing, Citrus Salad Dressing, Caesar Dressing, and Herb Vinaigrette are constantly on repeat over here because they can be used in so many ways! 

Naturally, I’ve incorporated my new favorite spice (hello, sumac!)into a bold, zesty dressing that adds a quick, flavorful boost to even the simplest meals. Sumac is one of my favorites because it’s vibrant, tangy and lemony, and made from ground sumac berries.

In this dressing ground sumac enhances the lemon’s citrus notes and brings a warm, earthy balance, making the dressing unique and deliciously well-rounded, and it takes just minutes to make! All you’ll need to do is measure out the ingredients, add to a bowl, whisk until combined, and you’re done! 

This flavorful lemon sumac dressing is . . . 

• Quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.  
• Adds a vibrant, tangy flavor to salads or can be used as a marinade to infuse chicken or fish with a zesty, flavorful twist that’s perfect for grilling or baking.  
• Easily drizzled over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.  
• Made with a unique and special flavor that works well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• Stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy its bright, zesty taste all week long.

Ingredient Notes

• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, tangy citrus flavor that forms the zesty base of the dressing.
• White Balsamic Vinegar – One of my favorite ingredients, this mild vinegar adds a sweet and mellow acidity that balances the lemon juice and adds depth.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the other ingredients. 
• Sumac – Gives this bold dressing a tart, lemony flavor with a hint of earthiness, making the dressing unique and vibrant. A little goes a long way!
• Dijon Mustard – Acts as an emulsifier to help blend the ingredients smoothly while adding a subtle, spicy kick.
• Olive Oil – Adds richness and a smooth texture, helping to carry and meld the flavors together. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for it’s palatable taste and freshness.

Instructions

Squeeze the lemon juice into a mixing bowl, then measure out the rest of the ingredients and add them in. Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined, making the dressing has a smooth and cohesive texture. Once fully mixed, use it right away or transfer the dressing to a clean, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week. 

Ways To Use Sumac Dressing

As a marinade: Coat chicken, fish, or tofu with the sumac dressing and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling, baking, or pan-searing. 

Our favorites: Cornflake Baked Tofu, Lemon Sumac Roast Chicken with Cabbage, Steak

As a sauce: Drizzle the sumac dressing over roasted or grilled vegetables to add a burst of bright, tangy flavor. It also works great as a finishing sauce for cooked meats or fish, adding a refreshing zing right before serving.

Our favorites: Roasted Green Beans, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Fish Packets

As a dressing: Toss your favorite greens, such as spinach, arugula, or mixed salad, with the sumac dressing for a light and refreshing salad. 

Our favorites: Grilled Summer Salad, Cabbage Salad with Apple & Cucumber, Shaved Broccoli Stalk Salad

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously to fully combine the mustard and oil so they emulsify properly.
• Store the dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid to keep it fresh longer.
• Shake the jar well before each use to re-emulsify the dressing and to distribute the flavors.
• Use a microplane to finely zest the lemon before juicing for an extra citrus punch.
• Taste the dressing before using and adjust the salt as needed.
• Use a high-quality olive oil for the best texture and flavor.
• Keep the dressing refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before using to make it easier to pour and mix.

Flavor Variations & Ingredient Substitutions

• Use a microplane to finely zest the lemon before juicing for an extra citrus punch.
• Substitute apple cider vinegar for white balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste.
• Add a clove of minced garlic for a rich garlic flavor.
• Swap out Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a bit more texture and a milder flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of green color.
• If you can’t find sumac, use smoked paprika or cumin for a warm, smoky flavor.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How To Store Homemade Dressing

The best way to store homemade dressing like this is to transfer it to a clean, airtight glass jar or container immediately after making it. Refrigerate the dressing to keep it fresh and flavorful. Shake the container well before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients. Properly stored, the dressing will remain fresh and ready to enhance your meals for up to one week.

More Zesty Lemon Recipes

• 5 Minute Lemon Vinaigrette
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Greens
• Lemon Mustard Yukon Gold Roasted Potatoes
• Salt and Lemon Pepper Chicken

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