Ready to make your salads sing? This Greek Salad Dressing is pure Mediterranean magic in a jar. Brimming with bold flavors from zesty red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and a luscious stream of extra virgin olive oil, it’s a go-to recipe that will instantly upgrade anything you drizzle it over. A hint of Dijon mustard and a shower of oregano lend authenticity and depth, making it as versatile as it is vibrant. Whether you love a classic Greek salad or want a punchy, homemade vinaigrette for veggies or grilled meats, this is the staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderful about a dressing that comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients, each one pulling their weight in flavor and freshness. This Greek Salad Dressing recipe is proof that simple pantry staples can deliver big-time results—all you need is a few minutes (and maybe a little dance while you shake the jar).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The sweet spot for richness and that beloved Mediterranean character. Use the best quality you have.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a necessary tang and brightness, really waking up all the flavors in the salad.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Gives it that unmistakable citrus kick and balances the oiliness perfectly.
- Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier and brings subtle depth without overpowering the dressing.
- Dried Oregano: For that authentic Greek flair; don’t skip it—it’s the soul of this recipe!
- Minced Garlic: Just a small clove, but it adds punchiness and a gentle bite that makes everything pop.
- Salt: Essential for bringing it all together and making every ingredient shine.
- Black Pepper: A pinch to dial up the flavor and add a touch of warmth.
How to Make Greek Salad Dressing
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Juice the lemon, mince the garlic, and grab your favorite extra virgin olive oil. When everything’s prepped, making this Greek Salad Dressing becomes a breeze.
Step 2: Combine in a Jar or Small Bowl
Toss everything—the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper—into a small bowl or, my personal favorite, a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The jar method makes everything even simpler and means fewer dishes!
Step 3: Whisk or Shake to Emulsify
Whisk the ingredients vigorously in your bowl, or give your jar a serious shake until the Greek Salad Dressing looks creamy and smooth. You’re looking for everything to fully combine without any separation between oil and vinegar.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give the dressing a taste with a clean spoon. If you like things a bit more tangy, add a touch more vinegar or lemon juice. Want extra richness? Add a drizzle more olive oil. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste buds.
Step 5: Store or Use Immediately
Your Greek Salad Dressing is ready! Use it right away, or pour it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. Shake it up well before each use, especially after chilling—it naturally separates, but comes together again instantly.
How to Serve Greek Salad Dressing
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle salads with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onions, or a handful of fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley. These classic garnishes complement the bold notes in the Greek Salad Dressing and make your plate look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
The beauty of a good Greek Salad Dressing is in its flexibility. It’s fantastic tossed with a classic Greek salad—think tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta—but also brilliant drizzled over roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for warm pita.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving the dressing in a cute cruet or mason jar with a tiny spoon for easy pouring. It also makes a gorgeous marinade for skewered vegetables or as a zesty topping for grain bowls. Try brushing it onto grilled veggies to make them irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply pour any leftover Greek Salad Dressing into a clean, airtight container or small mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to one week; just give it a good shake before serving, as separation is completely normal.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Greek Salad Dressing, it’s not recommended since olive oil solidifies and the texture can change. For best flavor and a consistent, creamy emulsion, make a fresh batch each week.
Reheating
No need for traditional reheating! If your dressing is too thick after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or run the sealed jar under warm water, then shake vigorously to re-emulsify.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano brings a brighter, more herbaceous flavor to the dressing. Use about three times as much as the recipe calls for, finely minced, and add a little at a time to taste.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, try white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar for a similar tang. Each one will alter the flavor slightly, but the Greek Salad Dressing will still be delicious.
Can I make a creamy version?
Yes! For a creamy Greek Salad Dressing, simply whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt. This will give your dressing a lovely, tangy creaminess and an even richer texture.
Is this dressing gluten-free and vegetarian?
It sure is. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, which makes Greek Salad Dressing a great choice for a variety of diets and gatherings.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Definitely. This dressing doubles beautifully as a marinade for chicken, fish, or even tofu. The acidity in the vinegar and lemon juice helps tenderize proteins while infusing them with amazing Mediterranean flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste homemade Greek Salad Dressing, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. It’s vibrant, versatile, and so easy to make in just five minutes—give it a try and bring bright Mediterranean flair to all your meals!
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Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¾ cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Greek Salad Dressing is a flavorful vinaigrette with a perfect blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Mediterranean spices. It’s versatile and easy to prepare, making it a must-have condiment for your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Emulsify: Whisk or shake the mixture well until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store: Store the dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. Shake well before each use.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt.
- This dressing pairs well with classic Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
