When it comes to making a refreshing and vibrant salad, Greek salad is undeniably a winner. This classic Mediterranean dish thrives on simplicity, yet bursts with tangy and earthy flavors. The magic lies in the dressing, an aromatic concoction of fresh ingredients and traditional Greek flavors. Our Greek Salad Dressing recipe will transport you to the sun-drenched beaches of Greece, right from your kitchen.
This recipe is easy to whip up, calls for minimal ingredients, and offers a balance of acidity, sweetness, and savory goodness. Your salad leaves will soak up this dressing, making every bite a delightful experience.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
There's a charm about homemade dressings that bottled versions can never match. And this Greek salad dressing is no exception. First and foremost, it's incredibly simple. You'll need just a handful of ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. What's more, you can adjust these ingredients to your preference, making it as tangy, sweet, or savory as you like. This homemade version also does away with the preservatives and artificial additives you'd find in a store-bought dressing, ensuring a fresher, healthier dressing for your salad.
Secondly, this Greek salad dressing recipe hits the right notes in terms of flavor balance. A good salad dressing is all about the harmony of flavors, and this one manages to balance the tangy acidity of lemon and vinegar with the earthiness of olive oil and oregano. It also incorporates garlic and Dijon mustard for that extra kick. The result is a dressing that's not too oily, not too acidic, but just right. And the best part? It's versatile. It can be used not only in Greek salads but can also enhance other salads, be drizzled on grilled vegetables, or even be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. With this recipe, you're not just getting a dressing, but a versatile sauce that will elevate your dishes.
Ingredients
Olive Oil - This is the base of your dressing, and it adds a wonderful fruity flavor. You should ideally use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste, but if you can't find it, regular olive oil will do.
Lemon Juice - It gives your dressing that tangy kick. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred as it's fresher and doesn't have the preservatives that bottled juice might contain. If you don't have lemons, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar.
Garlic - Garlic adds a robust flavor to the dressing. Freshly minced garlic is ideal, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder.
Oregano - Oregano gives the dressing its distinctive Greek flavor. Fresh oregano is ideal, but dried oregano works well too.
Dijon Mustard - This adds a little heat and complexity to the dressing. If you don't have Dijon, you can substitute it with yellow mustard, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Tips
- Always taste your dressing before you serve it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you're using fresh oregano, remember it's more potent than dried, so use less.
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It might solidify a bit, but it will loosen up once it reaches room temperature.
- You can adjust the ratio of olive oil to lemon juice based on your personal preference.
- Make sure to whisk the dressing thoroughly to emulsify the ingredients, or you can use a blender for a smoother dressing.
How to Serve
Greek salad dressing is versatile and can liven up more than just salads. Of course, it's perfect drizzled over a traditional Greek salad, providing a beautiful medley of tangy, herby, and savory notes to complement the fresh ingredients.
- Alternatively, you can also use this dressing to marinate chicken or fish before grilling, baking, or frying.
- This will give the meat a Greek twist and make it incredibly flavorful.
- Another idea is to use it as a dip with some warm pita bread, which can make for a simple yet delicious appetizer or snack.
Similar Recipes
Greek Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or mustard if needed.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always taste your dressing before you serve it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you're using fresh oregano, remember it's more potent than dried, so use less.
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It might solidify a bit, but it will loosen up once it reaches room temperature.
- You can adjust the ratio of olive oil to lemon juice based on your personal preference.
- Make sure to whisk the dressing thoroughly to emulsify the ingredients, or you can use a blender for a smoother dressing.