Greek Salad Dressing

Fresh, tangy, and effortlessly bright, this Greek salad dressing turns any simple salad into a cozy, flavor-packed meal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or adding a refreshing touch to a cold evening. I often whip it up while chopping vegetables, and the aroma of olive oil and herbs instantly lifts the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples, this dressing brings that classic Mediterranean zing to your table without any fuss. It’s light, versatile, and makes even the simplest salads feel homemade and satisfying.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Greek salad dressing is wonderfully easy, making it a weeknight-friendly staple. The balance of tangy vinegar, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs delivers bright flavor without overwhelming your greens. It’s flexible enough to drizzle over veggies, grains, or proteins, and leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Cozy and crowd-pleasing, it’s also budget-conscious—no need for fancy bottles or specialty ingredients. Pinterest-savvy cooks will appreciate that it’s ready in minutes, looks fresh in photos, and keeps your salads lively and flavorful whenever you want to prep ahead.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor and smooth texture.

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Gather all ingredients and measure precisely. Mince the garlic finely to release its aroma, and squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into a small bowl to keep flavors bright. Ensure olive oil is at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. The mixture should become slightly frothy and aromatic, with the garlic fully incorporated, creating a flavorful base before adding oil.

See also  Broccoli Salad

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps the dressing emulsify, creating a creamy texture. Stop when the mixture is glossy and cohesive, with herbs evenly distributed and the aroma of fresh oregano filling the bowl.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon if needed. Let the dressing sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. It’s ready to pour over crisp greens, cucumber, tomatoes, or feta cheese.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This Greek salad dressing comes together in minutes and can be made ahead, making it ideal for meal prep. Store it in a jar for salads throughout the week, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use as a quick marinade. Pinterest-friendly and practical, it’s a time-saving way to boost everyday meals without extra effort.

Tips & Tricks

  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh oregano or basil brightens the dressing. Avoid overcooking herbs; they lose aroma when heated.
  • Proper Emulsion: Slowly whisk olive oil into acids to prevent separation. If it splits, a quick shake in a jar brings it back together.
  • Balancing Acidity: Taste mid-way. If too sharp, add a small drizzle of honey or extra olive oil to smooth edges.
  • Garlic Control: Mince garlic finely to avoid harsh bites. For a milder flavor, lightly crush and let it sit 5 minutes before mixing.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Drizzle over grilled chicken or shrimp to turn your salad into a hearty meal. The dressing complements proteins while keeping preparation quick and clean.
  • Vegetarian Option: Toss with roasted chickpeas or halloumi for a filling, plant-forward salad that’s cozy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
  • Ingredient Swap: Swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang. Adjust lemon juice to keep the balance bright and lively.
  • Flavor Boost: Add fresh chopped dill or parsley. Herbs intensify aroma and depth, making the dressing feel more vibrant and homemade.
See also  Avocado Salad

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Salad: Pour over chopped romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta. Toss well for a crisp, colorful, family-friendly side.
  • Grain Bowl: Drizzle over quinoa, farro, or couscous with roasted vegetables. Adds a bright, tangy contrast to earthy grains.
  • Protein Pairing: Use as a marinade or finishing drizzle for grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. Enhances flavor while keeping meals light.
  • Casual Meal: Serve alongside pita bread and olives for a simple, cozy Mediterranean-style snack or appetizer board.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Keep in a sealed jar or container for up to 5 days. Shake before each use, as separation is natural.
  • Reheating: No need to heat; serve cold or at room temperature. If dressing has thickened, stir or shake gently.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as oil may separate and texture changes. Best kept fresh in the fridge.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare in advance for weeknight salads. The flavors meld beautifully after 1–2 hours, making it ready to pour over greens anytime.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15–20 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 120–150 per 2-tablespoon serving
Protein: 0–1 g
Key nutrients: Healthy fats from olive oil, vitamin C from lemon
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredient brand or portion size.

FAQs

Yes, store in the fridge for up to 5 days; flavors develop nicely.

Whisk slowly when adding oil; shake before use if it separates.

Apple cider or white wine vinegar works; adjust lemon juice to taste.

See also  Burrata Salad

Whisk in a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice to loosen.

Up to 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container.

Conclusion

This Greek salad dressing is simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re tossing it over fresh vegetables, drizzling on grains, or marinating proteins, it adds a bright Mediterranean touch to everyday meals. Make it ahead, tweak the herbs, and enjoy it with family or keep it as your secret weeknight shortcut. Once you try it, this dressing becomes a kitchen staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Greek Salad Dressing Save
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Greek Salad Dressing

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

cup 1

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare Ingredients: Mince garlic and squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl. Have olive oil at room temperature.
  • Mix Base: Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until slightly frothy.
  • Add Oil: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, glossy emulsion. Ensure herbs are evenly mixed.
  • Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

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