Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
If you love salads that burst with fresh, vibrant flavors, then this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dressing that perfectly balances tangy red wine vinegar, robust olive oil, and the aromatic punch of oregano and garlic. Every drop enhances your salad greens and veggies with a Mediterranean spirit, making it light but deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making a classic Greek salad or jazzing up any mixed greens, this dressing is the magic touch you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe right starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in the overall flavor and texture. These pantry staples blend perfectly to create a dressing that is vibrant, balanced, and irresistibly fresh.
- Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich and smooth base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect amount of tang and brightness to lift the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the ingredients for a cohesive dressing.
- Dried oregano: Brings an authentic Mediterranean herbaceous note that defines this dressing.
- Garlic powder: Imbues a mild, savory depth without overpowering the freshness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure the dressing is well-seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Honey (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the tang and round out the flavor if you like.
How to Make Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have everything ready. The beauty of this recipe is how quick and simple it is, so having all ingredients measured out helps you whisk it all together in no time.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Jar or Bowl
Place the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) into a jar or bowl. The jar makes shaking the dressing up later a breeze.
Step 3: Whisk Until Well Combined
Using a fork or small whisk, blend all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This ensures that the oil and vinegar marry perfectly, and the flavors blend seamlessly.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give it a taste and don’t be shy about tweaking the salt, pepper, or honey to suit your personal preference. A little extra salt can brighten up those flavors, while a touch more honey adds a lovely subtle sweetness.
Step 5: Store or Use Immediately
Enjoy the dressing right away or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before each use as the ingredients might naturally separate over time.
How to Serve Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
This dressing shines when drizzled over a bed of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and plenty of feta cheese. Add some kalamata olives and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for that final touch that screams Greek salad perfection.
Side Dishes
Serve this dressing alongside grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb skewers to add a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with fresh pita bread, hummus, or even a summery quinoa salad for a light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Use the Greek Salad Dressing Recipe as a marinade for roasted vegetables or drizzle it over a Mediterranean grain bowl with chickpeas and roasted peppers. It can even be a zesty dip for crispy pita chips when served thick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dressing keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just remember to shake or whisk it again before each use to restore its vibrant texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this particular Greek Salad Dressing Recipe because the olive oil can separate and change in texture once thawed, which affects the overall consistency and taste.
Reheating
Since this dressing is served cold or room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a shake or a stir, and it’s ready to elevate your next salad or dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano will add a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor. Use about one tablespoon finely chopped to substitute for one teaspoon dried oregano in the recipe.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a mild alternative. Just note the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is honey necessary in this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe?
Honey is optional and only adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess. If you prefer a more tart dressing, you can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of sugar.
How long does homemade Greek salad dressing last?
Stored properly in the fridge, this dressing lasts about one week. Always shake well before using since the ingredients tend to separate over time.
Can I use this dressing for other types of salads?
Definitely! This Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is very versatile and works beautifully on green salads, grain bowls, or even as a dressing for roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy and flavorful Greek Salad Dressing Recipe in your culinary toolkit, your salads will never be the same. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, herbaceous, and savory notes that bring freshness to every bite. I encourage you to whip it up soon and watch as it becomes your go-to dressing that friends and family will adore just as much as you do.
Print
Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Greek salad dressing that’s quick to make and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, ideal for drizzling over fresh vegetables or salads. This simple vinaigrette combines olive oil, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs for a tangy, savory taste with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Greek Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and tweak the seasoning to your preference, adding extra salt, pepper, or honey if desired, to balance the flavor.
- Store and Shake: Pour the dressing into a sealed container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to one week. Always shake well before using to recombine the ingredients.
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- The honey is optional; omit it to keep the dressing tangier and reduce sugar content.
- Shake the dressing well before each use, as the oil and vinegar naturally separate over time.
- This dressing pairs perfectly with Greek salad ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
