June 5, 2020 Lunch & Salads2 Comments

Citrus Sumac Dressing

Name: Citrus Sumac Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 small-medium shallot; 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped; ½ cup lime juice (3-4 limes); 2 tsp pure maple syrup or raw honey; 1 Tbsp sumac; ½-1 tsp sea salt; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

This is an easy to make sumac citrus salad dressing. Light and healthy lemony flavored dressing that works well on any salad or grain bowl.

I use this on my Freekeh, Fennel and Pomegranate Salad for a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tabbouleh style twist.

WHAT IS SUMAC

The sumac berry is a pea-sized red berry popular in the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American cuisine. There are several species of sumac trees.

The berry trees are small, similar to a large bush. The fruit grows in clusters on the tree, similar to other berries. You can wild harvest the berries, but be mindful. Some varieties are toxic, so be sure you are with an experienced forager.

WHERE TO BUY SUMAC

I buy sumac at any health food or natural foods store. Look for the brands Frontier Co-op and Spicely which sell ground sumac.

If you are wanting to try this recipe but you don’t want to buy a full bottle of sumac, pick up the small green boxes by Spicely which hold exactly two tablespoons. You can also purchase online.

Sumac Citrus Dressing with a pretty pink color from the dried sumac berries

WHAT DOES SUMAC TASTE LIKE

You’ll see sumac as a garnish on food at Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. It is great sprinkled on salads, grains, fish and in salad dressing.

This dressing is a light pink color with a light, lemony flavor. You can use it on any dish where you want to bring out the natural flavors of the food, or want a tangy zest you’d get from a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar.

FOR A SUMAC SALAD RECIPE, TRY THIS DRESSING WITH THIS MEAL

I use this recipe in my Freekeh, Fennel and Pomegranate Salad. I add the dressing to the warm grain, then serve it over shredded romaine with fresh mint and additional pink sumac dressing.

Colorful Freekeh Tabbouleh Salad with Fennel, Pomegranates, Pink Watermelon Radishes Over Romaine Lettuce

CHEF TIP

This recipe makes a large batch. It will stay good stored in an airtight container of mason jar for up to 1 week.

As a sweetner, you may use maple syrup or local raw honey. If avoiding sugar, try the dressing before adding a natural sweetener.

IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE, TRY THESE OTHER HEALTHY SALAD DRESSINGS