Lemon-Date Dressing

Lemon-Date Dressing

Bright lemon juice and sticky dates blend into a tangy-sweet dressing with rich depth.

Total 30 min Makes 16 oz Calories 110/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher, Kosher for passover, Ashkenazi kosher for passover

This dressing balances tart lemon juice and zest with the caramel-like sweetness of soaked dates, mellowed by olive oil and a touch of garlic. It works well drizzled over leafy green salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. The dates are blended smooth, giving the dressing a naturally thick body without needing added sugar.

Ingredients

  • 4 pitted dates, chopped
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin

Method

  1. Place the chopped dates in a small bowl and cover with the warm water. Let soak until softened, about 10 minutes.

  2. Transfer the softened dates along with their soaking liquid to a blender.

  3. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the blender.

  4. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.

  5. Check the consistency and blend in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.

  6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed, then transfer to a jar or airtight container.

  7. Refrigerate until ready to use; the dressing will thicken slightly as it chills.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.0 (1)

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    Lemon-Date Dressing

    This dressing balances tart lemon juice and zest with the caramel-like sweetness of soaked dates, mellowed by olive oil and a touch of garlic. It works well drizzled over leafy green salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. The dates are blended smooth, giving the dressing a naturally thick body without needing added sugar.

    30 min 16 oz 110 cal

    Ingredients

    • 4 pitted dates, chopped
    • 1/2 cup warm water
    • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin

    Method

    1. 1

      Place the chopped dates in a small bowl and cover with the warm water. Let soak until softened, about 10 minutes.

    2. 2

      Transfer the softened dates along with their soaking liquid to a blender.

    3. 3

      Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the blender.

    4. 4

      Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.

    5. 5

      Check the consistency and blend in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.

    6. 6

      Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed, then transfer to a jar or airtight container.

    7. 7

      Refrigerate until ready to use; the dressing will thicken slightly as it chills.